Shelton Challenge Staff Positions

Ready to make a difference?

At Shelton, we believe in a collaborative approach. Staff members are seen as valuable resources, working together to ensure a meaningful experience for students. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment, where everyone can contribute meaningfully. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply!

If you have questions regarding eligibility, the application process, or the summer experience, please reach out to us at sheltonchallenge@ncsu.edu.

Join us in creating impactful experiences that shape future leaders. Join the Shelton Challenge family and inspire greatness!

Instructor (2025 Applications Open December 1)

Instructors are motivated professionals willing to mentor high school students, facilitate curriculum, and ensure a positive learning environment. As a result of serving as instructor, you will:

• Gain valuable insights into working with and inspiring the next generation.
• Have the opportunity to deepen your own understanding of leadership.
• Contribute to a transformative experience that impacts your local and state communities. 
• Receive free housing, meals,and parking during your stay at camp.

Click on each topic below to learn more about the instructor role:

+ Responsibilities at Camp

• Provide student oversight, fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.
• Facilitate daily curricula, introducing daily team goals and ensuring a smooth learning experience.
• Collaborate with team-specific peer leaders to address student issues and enhance communication.
• Provide guidance, assistance, and constructive feedback to CMTs and peer leaders for continuous improvement.

+ Eligibility

To serve as an Instructor, applicants:

• Are professionals passionate about leadership and mentoring.
• Having prior experience with Challenge programs is preferred, but not required. 
• Commit to being present for a full week of camp activities (6 days) as well as approximately 10 hours of staff training scheduled during the month of May.

Coach/Mentor/Trainer (CMT) (2025 Applications Open December 1)

Coach/Mentor/Trainers (CMT) are college-aged students who guide teams, facilitate reflections, and evaluate team performances, bringing college-level enthusiasm to the Challenge. As a result of serving as a CMT, you will:

• Receive free housing, meals,and parking during your stay at camp.
• Have the opportunity to deepen your own leadership.
• Build relevant professional skills, such as the ability to work on diverse, intergenerational teams, communication, and critical thinking, while shaping young minds. 
• Contribute to a transformative experience that impacts your local and state communities.

Compensation: $600*

CMTs are selected through a thorough application review process and group interview. Group interviews are required and will be held on Saturday, February 22.

Click on each topic below to learn more about the CMT role:

+ Responsibilities at Camp

• Lead daily activities and end-of-day reflections, fostering a reflective and engaging team environment.
• Orchestrate goal-setting activities, guiding the team toward shared objectives and values.
• Coordinate morning ceremonies and energizers to contribute to a positive team atmosphere.
• Collaborate with peer leaders to establish team expectations, goals, and facilitate regular meetings for effective communication and support.

+ Eligibility

To serve as a Coach/Mentor/Trainer, applicants:

• Must be a college student.
• Having prior experience with Challenge programs is preferred, but not required. 
• Commit to being present for a full week of camp activities (6 days + early arrival for staff training) as well as approximately 10 hours of staff training scheduled during the month of May.

*These amounts are taxable.

Peer Leader (PL) (2025 Applications Open December 1)

Peer Leaders (PL) are recent Red Hat Shelton Challenge graduates who serve as a crucial link between team leaders and CMTs, ensuring a positive team dynamic. As a result of serving as a PL, you will:

• Have the opportunity to continue to deepen your own leadership.
• Build skills, such as the ability to work on diverse teams, communication, and facilitation. 
• Contribute to a transformative experience that impacts your local and state communities. 
• Receive housing and meals during your stay at camp.

Cost: 50% of participant registration fees ($450)

Peer Leaders are selected through a thorough application review process and group interview. Group interviews are required and will be held on Saturday, February 22.

Click on each topic below to learn more about the PL role:

+ Responsibilities at Camp

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and productive team dynamic through effective communication and team-building activities.
• Lead daily ice-breakers, energizers, and morning ceremonies to enhance team cohesion and motivation.
• Collaborate with CMT to establish team expectations, provide guidance, and develop leadership skills for team leaders.
• Serve as a liaison between the team and CMT, observe team dynamics, and provide valuable feedback for continuous improvement.

+ Eligibility

To serve as a Peer Leader, applicants:

• Must be a rising 11th – 12th grader.
• Must have successfully completed the Red Hat Shelton Challenge and remain in good standing. 
• Commit to being present for a full week of camp activities (6 days + early arrival for staff training) as well as approximately 10 hours of staff training scheduled during the month of May.

Interns (2025 Applications Open December 1)

This summer-long, paid internship will allow students to gain experience in leadership, event planning, and administrative skill development. Past Shelton Challenge experience is preferred, but not required. As a result of serving as an intern, you will:

• Receive a competitive compensation package. 
• Receive week-long free housing, meals, and parking during your on-site stay at camp.
• Have the opportunity to deepen your own understanding of leadership.
• Gain on-the-job experience in project management and program administrative responsibilities related to youth development.
• Develop valuable professional competencies, such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.

Pay Range: $4,000-$4,500*

Click on each topic below to learn more about the intern role:

+ Responsibilities at Camp

• Prepare materials for Challenge weeks, including but not limited to the coordination of logistics, registrations, and medical documentation.
• Collaborate with the program director and other interns to ensure the smooth execution of the program, including acquiring supplies for nightly programs and providing on-site support for issues. 
• Capture program moments through photography and occasionally lead training sessions or program sessions.
• Work on administrative tasks and material preparation in the office to contribute to ongoing programs.

+ Eligibility

To serve as an Intern, applicants:

• Must be a college student.
• Must have strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work in a team environment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license. 
• Must have regular availability between May 15 and August 10 during regular business hours with frequent evening and weekend work. 
• Commit to staying on campus in the designated camp residence hall at least two (2) out of the four (4) camp weeks during the summer. 

*These amounts are taxable.