Upward Bound Classic & Math + Science Recruitment Intern (Upward Bound, Pack Intern, Spring '27)

**This internship is hosted by Upward Bound Classic & Math + Science and sponsored by the Nevada Career Studio and ASUN. 

Students are highly encouraged to complete a 15 minute drop-in or schedule an in-person or virtual 30-minute appointment with a Career Mentor BEFORE submitting an application. Resumes and cover letters that do not meet NCS best practices will not be included in applicant packages to employers. 

After the application period closes in Handshake, the NCS Internships Team reviews the applicants and sends eligible students' applicant packages to employers for them to reach out to conduct interviews and make the final intern selection. Employers will contact students directly if they are interested in moving forward with them as a candidate. 

Upward Bound Classic & Math + Science 

About Upward Bound Classic & Math + Science: 

The University of Nevada, Reno’s Upward Bound Classic + Upward Bound Math + Science programs help income-qualified, first-generation students prepare for college and build the skills and confidence needed to succeed. Through three Upward Bound Classic programs and one Upward Bound Math Science program, we provide year-round academic and college preparatory services to 246 students across eight target schools in Washoe and Lyon Counties. 

Students receive comprehensive support through academic advising, tutoring, college and career exploration, financial literacy, leadership development, college visits, workshops, and an immersive Summer Academy experience. Our goal is to create a supportive community that helps students successfully navigate high school and prepare for postsecondary education. 

Internship Description: 

The University of Nevada, Reno’s Upward Bound Classic & Math Science programs are seeking motivated, dependable, and student-centered Upward Bound Classic & Math + Science Recruitment Intern to support ongoing efforts in student recruitment, outreach, engagement, and college preparation. This internship will provide meaningful professional experience while fostering contributions to programs that provide year-round academic and college preparatory support to income-qualified and first-generation students throughout Washoe and Lyon Counties. 

A significant focus of the internship will be supporting recruitment and early outreach efforts. Interns will work alongside professional staff to strengthen relationships with local middle schools and create a stronger pipeline of prospective students entering Upward Bound Classic & Math Science target high schools. This may include assisting with school visits, recruitment presentations, informational events, student and family outreach, and follow-up with prospective participants. Interns will help introduce students to the opportunities available through Upward Bound Classic & Math Science and encourage students to begin thinking about college and their future educational goals at an early age. 

Interns will also engage directly with current program participants and assist with College Prep Saturday Sessions, Academic Success Center programming, college and career exploration, workshops, campus activities, special events, and other academic-year initiatives. Through these experiences, interns will help foster a welcoming and supportive environment while building meaningful relationships with middle and high school students. 

Additional responsibilities may include developing recruitment and outreach materials, assisting with event planning and implementation, organizing recruitment information, communicating with prospective students and families, supporting application follow-up, and completing special projects that contribute to program recruitment, retention, and student engagement goals. 

Throughout the experience, interns will receive guidance and mentorship from professional staff while developing practical skills in college access, student engagement, community outreach, program coordination, professional communication, public speaking, teamwork, and relationship-building. Interns will also gain firsthand experience working within a university-based program and collaborating with K–12 school and community partners. 

Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, professionalism, reliability, initiative, and a genuine interest in working with young people. Students interested in education, student affairs, counseling, social work, community engagement, communications, youth development, or related fields are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Ultimately, this internship will provide students with a meaningful opportunity to develop professionally while contributing to the mission of Upward Bound Classic & Math Science: expanding college access, strengthening students’ academic and personal development, and helping the next generation of students see higher education as an achievable goal. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

The intern will work collaboratively with Upward Bound Classic & Math Science professional staff to support student recruitment, outreach, engagement, and program operations. 

Primary duties and responsibilities will include: 

• Assist with student recruitment and outreach efforts at local middle schools and Upward Bound Classic & Math Science target schools. 
• Build positive relationships with prospective students and help introduce middle school students to college readiness, Upward Bound services, and future participation opportunities. 
• Support recruitment presentations, school visits, informational sessions, tabling events, and other outreach activities for prospective students and families. 
• Communicate and follow up with prospective students and families regarding program eligibility, applications, upcoming recruitment opportunities, and next steps. 
• Assist professional staff with developing and distributing recruitment materials, presentations, flyers, and student-facing resources. 
• Engage with current Upward Bound Classic & Math Science participants and serve as a positive, approachable, and professional role model. 
• Provide support during College Prep Saturday Sessions, Academic Success Center programming, workshops, college and career exploration activities, campus visits, and special events. 
• Assist with the planning, preparation, implementation, and evaluation of student programming and recruitment initiatives. 
• Maintain organized and accurate recruitment and outreach information while following program expectations regarding student privacy and confidentiality. 
• Collaborate with program staff, school personnel, and other campus or community partners to support recruitment and student engagement goals. 
• Participate in regular meetings with designated Upward Bound Classic & Math Science staff to receive guidance, discuss progress, and identify upcoming priorities. 
• Complete additional projects and responsibilities that support the overall mission of increasing college access and preparing first-generation students for postsecondary success. 

Goals and Expectations of the Intern: 

The goal of this internship is to provide the intern with a meaningful professional experience while strengthening the recruitment, outreach, and student engagement efforts of Upward Bound Classic & Math Science. The intern will be expected to contribute positively to the programs while developing skills that can be applied to future academic and professional opportunities. 

Throughout the internship, the intern will be expected to: 

• Complete 120 hours of work as an intern (8-15 hours per week, 15 weeks total) 
• Develop a strong understanding of the mission, services, eligibility requirements, and student populations served by Upward Bound Classic & Math Science. 
• Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, initiative, and effective communication when interacting with students, families, school personnel, University staff, and community partners. 
• Build meaningful and appropriate relationships with middle and high school students while serving as a positive representative and role model for Upward Bound Classic & Math Science and the University of Nevada, Reno. 
• Strengthen skills in student outreach, recruitment, public speaking, program coordination, teamwork, and relationship-building through hands-on experience. 
• Contribute to increasing awareness of Upward Bound Classic & Math Science among prospective students and families, particularly through middle school outreach and early college awareness efforts. 
• Approach all student interactions with enthusiasm, respect, patience, and a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. 
• Demonstrate responsibility when handling student information and maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality, and program expectations. 
• Actively participate in supervision, training, and professional development opportunities and remain receptive to feedback, coaching, and continued growth. 
• Take initiative in identifying opportunities to improve recruitment, outreach, student engagement, and program activities. 
• Develop a greater understanding of college access, educational opportunity, and the role that student support programs play in helping first-generation students successfully prepare for postsecondary education. 

By the conclusion of the internship, the intern should demonstrate measurable growth in their professional skills, confidence working with students and families, and ability to contribute effectively within a collaborative educational environment. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Must be a degree-seeking undergraduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno during the Spring ‘27 semester 
• December '26 or earlier graduates are not eligible for the Pack Internship Grant Program
• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno. Demonstrated interest in working with middle and high school students, particularly in educational, mentoring, outreach, or youth-development settings. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact professionally and respectfully with students, families, school personnel, University staff, and community partners. 
• Ability to establish positive and appropriate relationships with students while serving as a professional and supportive role model. 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage responsibilities, meet deadlines, and follow through on assigned projects. 
• Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, initiative, adaptability, and willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team. 
• Comfortable assisting with student recruitment, school outreach, presentations, events, and student-facing activities. 
• Ability to communicate effectively in both individual and group settings and willingness to develop public speaking and presentation skills. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries when working with student and family information. 
• Willingness and ability to travel to local middle schools, high schools, and other program locations as needed for recruitment and outreach activities. 
• Ability to successfully complete any University-required training, background checks, or other requirements associated with working with minors. 
• Commitment to supporting the academic, personal, and postsecondary aspirations of students served by Upward Bound Classic & Math Science. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Previous experience working with middle school or high school students through mentoring, tutoring, education, recreation, outreach, or other youth-focused programs. 
• Interest or academic experience in education, counseling, social work, human development, student affairs, communications, community engagement, or a related field. 
• Previous experience with student recruitment, community outreach, event planning, presentations, or student engagement activities. 
• Familiarity with college access, first-generation student support, college preparation, or educational opportunity programs. 
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills, particularly when communicating with students, families, or groups. 
• Experience developing student-facing materials, presentations, social media content, or other recruitment and outreach resources. 
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and contribute creative ideas to strengthen recruitment and student engagement efforts. 
• Experience collaborating with schools, community organizations, campus departments, or other educational partners. 
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is highly desirable to support communication and engagement with students and families. 
• Familiarity with the University of Nevada, Reno and its student resources, services, and campus environment. 
• Previous participation in Upward Bound Classic & Math Science, TRIO, or another college access or student support program is welcomed. 
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel to local schools and program activities, when applicable. 

Desired Schedule for Intern:  

The intern will primarily work during traditional University business hours, with the specific weekly schedule determined collaboratively based on the intern’s academic schedule, program needs, and established internship hour requirements. We are committed to providing a schedule that allows the intern to successfully balance their academic responsibilities with the internship experience. 

While the majority of internship hours will occur during the traditional workday, occasional early morning and evening availability is highly desired to support key recruitment and outreach initiatives. Early morning hours may be needed for recruitment presentations, classroom visits, and outreach activities at local middle schools. Some evening availability may also be requested for in-person and virtual student and family information nights, during which interns may assist with or eventually help lead presentations about Upward Bound Classic & Math Science, program eligibility, services, and the application process. 

Advance notice will be provided whenever possible for activities occurring outside of traditional business hours. Scheduling will be coordinated with the intern to ensure these opportunities remain manageable alongside their academic commitments while also allowing them to gain meaningful experience with different aspects of student recruitment, family engagement, and community outreach. 

PIGP internships require interns to complete 120 hours during their internship. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure this requirement is met.