Fall 2023 Raven Scholars Peer-Mentor Internship
Application Process for Raven Scholars Peer-Mentor Internship
The Raven Scholars Program offers a supported transition for University of Idaho students who are on the autism spectrum. The program provides opportunities for students to build on both academic and social skills through weekly planning meetings, social and academic skills coaching, organized events, advocacy, and peer-mentoring.
Peer-mentor Interns provide support for Raven Scholars by assisting in the development of executive functioning skills (organizational and time management,) in addition to advancing interpersonal and social skills of individuals through conversations, games, puzzles, exploring campus and monthly organized events. Peer-Mentors may have scheduled drop-in hours, or may be assigned to work with Raven Scholars one-on-one or in groups. Some Peer-Mentors may also deliver classroom supports for the INTR-101 course, Focus on Succes. Occasionally Peer-Mentors may be assigned or given volunteer opportunities to work outside the Raven Scholars for tabling events, conferences, fund raising and other program related tasks.
This internship is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to gain some hands-on experience in working with individuals with learning differences. It is worthy resume material and provides an additional certification for those who meet the criteria (see below). It will allow interns to explore their professional skills in working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and provides unique challenges as well as being a fun, engaging and enriching experience.
For more information on the program please go to: uidaho.edu/ravenscholars
Credits and Certification:
Peer-Mentors may elect to take between 1-3 credit hours per semester through PSYC 498. Each credit hour requires a minimum of 3 hours per week. In addition, Peer-Mentors should expect to spend up to one hour on training and/or supervision each week. With the program manager and PSYC 498 Instructor approval, interns may return for multiple semesters for up to six credits total (however, only three are considered upper-division credits). Most Peer-Mentors elect to take 1-2 credits per semester.
In addition to PSYC 498 course credit, Peer-Mentors are eligible to earn the College of Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) International Mentor Training Program Certification. Peer-Mentors must put in a minimum of 50 hours during a 15-week semester and complete all supervision assignments satisfactorily to earn the CRLA Certification.
Internship Requirements and Application Process:
1. You must be a junior or senior University of Idaho student with a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 and/or instructor permission to participate in the Raven Scholars Peer-Mentor internship.
2. Please submit a cover letter that addresses your:
· Experience working with people in a customer service or educational setting
· Any personal or professional experience working with neurodiverse individuals
· Advising, leadership, tutoring or mentoring experience
· Any volunteer work you have done
· Interpersonal skills
· Dependability and reliability
· Willingness to participate in ongoing training on autism spectrum disorder and Motivational Interviewing skills
· Coursework in counseling, psychology, special education, family and consumer sciences, social work or other related human services field(s)
3. Please provide the names and contact information for two professional references (for example, professors or work supervisors).
4. You will be notified by e-mail of the status of your application and informed if you meet the criteria to be considered for an interview.
5. If accepted as a Raven Scholars Peer-Mentor Intern, you will register for PSYC 498, for which you will have additional requirements outside of supervision and Peer-Mentor duties to complete for course credit.
6. Complete a background check.
For submission of applications and additional information, please contact:
Leslie Gwartney, Associate Director
(208) 885-9107