Yale Citizens Thinkers Writers is a free two-week residential summer program and year-long fellowship program for students from New Haven public schools who want to think deeply about fundamental human questions in a college setting. Residential Teaching Assistants (RTAs) provide mentorship, lead small breakout groups, organize supplementary workshops, help students with the analytic reading and writing skills essential for success at college, and facilitate a positive learning environment and community. RTAs receive full room and board from July 11-25th plus a stipend and are paid hourly throughout the 2025-26 academic year.
Responsibilities
- Attend all mandatory training sessions and staff meetings, program sessions and activities
- Read all course materials and be prepared to discuss with students
- Meet daily with a breakout group of five students to facilitate conversations about how the readings relate to civic life in New Haven today
- Organize supplementary workshops
- Work with students on analytic reading and writing skills essential for success at college
- Live with students in the residences
- Foster a supportive and thriving learning environment
- Facilitate community building among students
- Support program and residential check-in and check-out procedures
- Organize and encourage participation in residential life activities
- Assist in communicating rules and ensuring student safety and security
- Serve as positive role models to students at all times
- Mentor students on the college admissions and decisions process throughout the following academic year
Qualifications
- Current Yale undergraduate, rising juniors or seniors only
- Strong academic record with interest in the humanities
- A love of reading, writing, and reflecting on fundamental questions
- Experience working in a mentoring, advising or teaching capacity
- Commitment to working with youth from backgrounds historically underrepresented in higher education, including low-income and first-generation college students
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Comfort with leading and facilitating discussions
- Ability to exercise sound judgment
Compensation: $2,000 summer stipend plus room and board from July 11-26; $18/hour during the academic year