Staff Application
Become a Georgia Teen Institute Staff Member
The GTI 2024 staff application deadline has passed. Please reach out to gtistaff@guideinc.org with any questions or concerns.
Georgia Teen Institute (GTI) is a life-changing summer leadership program, which takes place at Oxford College. Youth Action Teams from across the state come together to create action plans in order to create positive community change; participate in engaging, hands-on workshops; learn leadership, communication and networking skills; gain a better understanding of the importance of prevention and issues associated with alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; and have a fantastic time, too!
GTI is fully staffed by high school, college age and adult volunteers. Each staff member is responsible for important components of the program and receives high-quality opportunities for growing leadership skills. Want to staff this amazing summer program? Think you’ve got what it takes? Apply to be on staff today!
Make sure to read through all of the below information carefully so you don’t miss anything!
Please see below for typical deadlines and events regarding the staffing process and learn more about each on the About Our Staff page.
Application Information
Phase One: Application
Fill out the online application and submit it by January 31, 2024. Please make sure to answer all of the questions. If you have any questions about the application or staffing our program, reach out to us at gtistaff@guideinc.org.
Phase Two: Interviews & Selection
Upon submitting an application, all applicants will participate in a staff interview, which will take place virtually in February. During this time, members of our Staff Development Team and some other GTI Adult Staff will take the time to get to know you and learn why you’re interested in staffing our summer program. Youth Staff will select their interview day during the application process, whereas Young Adult Staff and Adult Staff applicants will be contacted individually to schedule an interview.
All applicants will be notified of their selection status during the first week of March via email.
Phase Three: Staff Development Weekend 1 (SDW1)
Camp Twin Lakes (1391 Keencheefoonee Rd, Rutledge, GA 30663)
All selected Youth Staff 2 and Young Adult Staff are required to attend Staff Development Weekend 1, which will be held April 12-14, 2024. Some Adult Staff will be asked to attend this training weekend, which will be dependent on their role in the summer program. Staff training for Youth Staff 1 and remaining Adult Staff will begin during Staff Development Weekend 2.
Phase Four: Assignments
Between SDW1 and SDW2, staff members are required to complete assignments in order to become better prepared for GTI. Staff will be provided with these details at SDW1. Most assignments will require approximately 15 minutes.
Phase Five: Staff Development Weekend 2 (SDW2)
Oxford College, Oxford, GA
All staff are required to attend Staff Development Weekend 2 for final training and preparation. This training will be held June 6-9, 2024.
Phase Six: Georgia Teen Institute (GTI)
Oxford College, Oxford, GA
GTI will be held June 10-14, 2024. Applicants who can stay for the entire the program will be prioritized during the selection process. Part-time staffing is only allowed if other arrangements have been made ahead of time with the Staff Development Team.
Staffing Opportunities
All applicants have an equal chance of being asked to serve as GTI staff. Anyone applying for staff at any level must:
- complete the online application thoroughly and on time;
- participate in a staff interview;
- lead a healthy lifestyle, which includes not drinking underage or using tobacco or other drugs;
- pass a fingerprinting background check (if age 18 or older by June 14, 2024);
- participate in training (Youth Staff 2 and Young Adult Staff must attend Staff Development Weekends, and Adult Staff may be asked to attend these in addition to their specialized training); and
- attend the full program week at GTI 2024, unless other arrangements have been made ahead of time.
Preliminary staff decisions will be made by mid-March.
At GTI, all staff may be asked to serve as workshop assistants, lead energizers, staff Free Time, lead Team Meetings and Family Groups, lead team building and complete other duties as assigned. We will work with each applicant to determine his/her best fit while at GTI.
Youth Staff (YS):
The Georgia Teen Institute (GTI) Youth Staff (YS) level allows youth ages 15-18 to build and cultivate their leadership skills with a hands-on approach. The YS level is an introductory role in leadership where youth have the ability to co-facilitate sessions with fellow staff members and provide support to the program. Peer-to-peer education is an important component at GTI, and YS have the opportunity to provide this to other teens from across Georgia. This is an excellent opportunity for youth who are interested in developing and/or refining their leadership skills.
YS members are individuals who are ages 15-18 by January 1, 2024, who are enrolled as high school students. YS may or may not have attended GTI in the past as a participant or staff member. All YS are expected to serve as leaders and role models by taking responsibility and initiative, maintaining a positive attitude and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Young Adult Staff (YAS):
The Georgia Teen Institute (GTI) Young Adult Staff (YAS) level combines hands-on leadership experience with practical mentorship and training. The YAS staff level is an advanced role that includes an individualized leadership plan focusing on strengths and interests for each member, as well as mentorship opportunities to prepare for the Adult Staff level. Responsibilities for each person will depend on their personal plan and may include, but are not limited to, planning and preparing for sessions, facilitating sessions and providing general support to ensure the success of the program. This is an excellent opportunity to build employable skills and make an impact in communities across Georgia.
YAS members are individuals who are ages 18-22 and have spent at least one year out of high school by the time of the summer program. YAS may or may not have attended GTI in the past as a participant or staff member. All YAS are expected to serve as leaders and role models by taking responsibility and initiative, maintaining a positive attitude and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Adult Staff (AS):
The Georgia Teen Institute (GTI) Adult Staff (AS) level gives individuals age 23 and older a chance to volunteer in a variety of ways that support the Youth Staff, Young Adult Staff and GTI participants. The AS level is an advanced role that includes a lot of autonomy and responsibility and focuses on strengths and interests for each member. Responsibilities for each person will depend on their availability, skill sets and specific needs. These may include, but are not limited to, planning and preparing for sessions, facilitating sessions, mentoring youth or young adults and providing general support to ensure the success of the program. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with young people and make a difference to communities across Georgia.
AS members are individuals who are ages 23 and up. AS may or may not have attended GTI in the past as a participant or staff member and do not have to commit to a whole week or two weeks; these volunteers can serve for as little as three hours. All AS are expected to serve as leaders and role models by taking responsibility and initiative, maintaining a positive attitude and leading a healthy lifestyle.