Thrive Scholars·Los Angeles, California
Teaching Assistants will collaborate with a faculty member to administer two sections of a college-level math or writing course, facilitating lessons, providing support during class and office hours, and designing effective teaching strategies. Additionally, TAs must build a supportive community among assigned students, foster belonging, develop motivational mantras, and serve as mentors for academic and personal development.
Summer Academy - Residential & Commuter:
Summer Academy [https://www.thrivescholars.org/thriveacademies/] has long been the keystone of Thrive Scholars’ Six-Year Program, offering a signature summer experience through intensive college-preparatory courses taught by college instructors. Thrive’s current strategic direction builds on the success of our residential Summer Academy to expand our impact by establishing commuter-based Academies in cities across the United States. We launched our first two commuter programs in Los Angeles and New York City in 2024 and Chicago in 2025, while simultaneously continuing to offer the residential Summer Academies for Scholars who do not have an academy in their community. We expect to continue extending our reach to other cities in the coming years.
Our students are high-achieving, including first-generation college-goers from under-resourced communities, with an average high school GPA of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale. They are eager to learn, inquisitive, and highly motivated to succeed. In general, they see themselves as good students who perform well in school and are determined to live up to that expectation. When scholars attend their first summer academy, whether commuter or residential, they are a rising high school senior.
Thrive Scholars is seeking Teaching Assistants who can work with a faculty member to administer a college math or writing course to our students preparing for the rigor of courses at selective institutions.
The math courses are expected to include Pre-Calculus, Calculus I, and Calculus 2.
Final determination of math levels during the 2026 Summer Academies is to be determined based on student demand.
The writing course is Introduction to College Writing.
The uniqueness of this position lies in its dual focus on supporting students both inside and outside the classroom.
Teaching Assistants will foster a sense of community with their assigned students, emphasizing belonging, connectedness, and resilience in a new environment.
In practice, this includes creative ways to start the class period, developing shared meanings and motivational mantras to encourage resilience, and conducting personal check-ins with students who miss class.
This role provides the opportunity to co-create and nurture a culture of safety that maximizes student engagement and learning. College readiness teaching assistants serve as both teachers and mentors, combining instructional support with personal guidance.
TA’s will be supported by their faculty members, Academic Coordinators, the Site Director, Assistant Site Director, and Thrive full-time staff members.
1. $24/hour, plus lunch 2. June 13 – July 31
Mercy University Manhattan Campus; New York City, NY
1. $24/hour, plus lunch 2. June 27 - August 14
Northwestern University; Evanston, IL
1. $22/hour, plus lunch 2. June 20 – August 7
Once the program begins, Teaching Assistants are expected to work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, following a set class schedule with additional flexible hours for work outside of class. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for special events such as college fairs or program celebrations. Full staff training and orientation will begin in mid-June, with the final schedule determined in collaboration with the Site Director and Program Director.
Thrive Scholars provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status. Knowing their importance to the success of our work, Thrive Scholars is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we aspire to build a diverse staff team and community. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.
For more information, please visit thrivescholars.org [http://thrivescholars.org]
Market context
Teaching assistant roles in California often see steady demand, especially in early childhood settings where classrooms need support with child development and daily care routines. These positions can be competitive because employers look for candidates with specific ECE coursework, practical knowledge of child development theories, and the physical ability to handle active classroom environments. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly confirm fit, then have your 12+ ECE units and relevant experience ready when you apply.
