Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York — seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned Summer Program Aid to support our Summer Program.
The Summer Program Aide will bring a passion for the mission of Harlem Children’s Zone: break the cycle of intergenerational poverty with comprehensive, on-the-ground programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life.
The Summer Program Aide will join one of our Harlem Children's Zone or Promise Academy after-school programs, which ensure thousands of kids in Central Harlem have a fun, safe, and great learning experience. The individual will be an enthusiastic, reliable team player who contributes every ounce of their energy, creativity, and love to ensure our kids have an incredible summer program.
Requirements
- A high school diploma or GED is required (must be able to provide proof)
- Must be able to successfully pass our background check, medical, and fingerprinting requirements
Who You Are
- A commitment to the mission and programs of HCZ
- Some experience working with students and/or at-risk youth
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
- Familiar with issues prevalent in underserved communities
- Must be able to engage and motivate students
What you'll do
- Work directly with students across a variety of daily activities, including arts, dance, sports, STEM, team games, and enrichment blocks
- Assist teachers and activity leaders in supporting students’ physical, emotional, social, moral, and intellectual development
- Lead or co‑lead engaging activities, workshops, and events based on student interests and summer program themes
- Ensure the safety and supervision of scholars throughout all activities, transitions, field trips, meals, and outdoor time
- Model positive behavior, professionalism, and strong character to create a supportive and inclusive environment
- Build positive relationships with students, encouraging teamwork, confidence, and personal growth
- Facilitate group discussions, reflections, and community‑building activities appropriate to student age and developmental stage
- Support academic enrichment such as reading time, skill‑building blocks, homework completion, and test prep (during school-year programming)
- Prepare materials, set up program spaces, and maintain the cleanliness and organization of activity areas
- Implement age‑appropriate behavior management strategies using positive discipline
- Communicate effectively with team members, supervisors, and families when needed
- Monitor attendance, participation, and student engagement to support program quality
- Ensure compliance with all organizational policies, health and safety protocols, and mandated reporting requirements
- Participate in staff meetings, pre‑service training, and daily briefings
- Assist with special events, theme days, family days, celebrations, and end-of-summer showcases
- Perform other duties as assigned to support smooth daily operations and program success
Schedule
- Summer Program Dates: July 6, 2026- August 14, 2026
- Three-day Summer Program Aide Orientation (Dates/TBD)
- This is a full-time, 7-week position with a schedule of up to 40 hours per week. Employees will work an 8-hour shift scheduled between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., depending on site placement. Preference will be given to candidates who can commit to the full duration and schedule of the program.
- There is potential for permanent placement in the Program Aide role following the summer, pending position availability and successful performance during the program. Please note that the Program Aide position is a Part-Time role during the fall & Spring.
Benefits
As a member of the Harlem Children's Zone team, you will join a supportive and inclusive community dedicated to helping children, families — and our staff — thrive.
Please take a look at our Part-Time benefits below.
Our exceptional Part-Time benefits include:
- Career advancement
- Paid sick leave
- Employee referral bonus
- Physical wellness discounts
- Commuter benefits
- Additional Benefits (Discounts on flights, hotels, theme parks, concert tickets, and more
The salary range for this position is $20.00 per hour. To be considered, interested applicants should apply directly through the posting. No telephone inquiries or recruiters, please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. Harlem Children's Zone and Promise Academy Charter Schools do not provide work visas for candidates who require employer sponsorship to ensure work authorization in the United States. Harlem Children’s Zone is an EOE.