Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute
Mentorship Program
The Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute (OSLI) provides up to eight (8) University of Akron students with an opportunity to help design and staff the Institute. OSLI Mentors directly lead and work with the program participants, providing sound judgement, direction, support, and a warm campus welcome! Mentors are compensated for their time and training, as they have an active role in the facilitation of small groups, problem-solving, and team-building activities.
The Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute is designed to empower a group of high school students by introducing them to the requisite skills, attitudes, and resources for success in college. This fun, challenging experience encourages Institute participants (Juniors from local high schools) to adopt habits and utilize resources useful to becoming high-achieving collegiate leaders and scholars.
Mentors must be current UA students, with a 3.0 GPA or above, who plan to return to UA in the Fall 2026 semester. Applications for the OSLI Mentor position should be actively engaged in The University of Akron through classroom experiences, co-curricular involvement on campus, and/or school spirit. During the Institute, Mentors will be asked to help set up daily activities, facilitate experiences for the participants and remain as an energetic and engaged role model. The OSLI Mentor role is considered an employment experience that provides a stipend for your training, the program, and post-Institute work, as well as all the costs of food and activities during the program are covered.
Mentorship opportunities
- Do you want impact the lives of soon-to-be high school seniors by developing and assisting their personal growth through the transition from high school to college?
- Do you want to have the chance to work with a great staff and develop yourself as a leader at Akron?
- Would you like to get a paid mentorship role that looks great on your resume?
If you answered yes, you need to consider becoming an Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute Mentor!
The 2026 OSLI will be from July 22-24, 2026. Mentors must be available July 17 (prep), July 20-21 (prep), July 22-24 (OSLI 2026!), and July 27, 2026 (debrief)
What is required
- Attend paid staff meetings before summer break.
- Attend paid training sessions the week before the Institute.
- Assist with the implementation of the Institute's curriculum and program.
- Facilitate the 2026 Institute by leading small groups of 4-6 high school students (~$450).
- Assist in presenting at least one program during the Institute.
- Assist and develop team builders and social activities.
- Assist with administrative tasks, as needed.
- Monthly contact after the Institute through December with assigned mentees.
- Provide encouragement, support and resource information to OSLI mentees.
- Assist with planning, and attend, a reunion program in Fall 2026.
- OSLI Mentors will be employed from April 2026-December 2026, however paid for their time based on the Institute and other related activities outlined herein.
Applicant requirements
Successful candidates should be:
- Enrolled at The University of Akron with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Returning to Akron in Fall 2025.
- Completed at least one year at UA prior to the start of Institute.
- Demonstrate campus leadership and/or community involvement.
- During the Institute, holding employment outside the internship is not feasible due to the unpredictable time constraints of the internship.
Compensation and benefits
- Compensation valued at around $650 over the active employment period. The majority of the time commitment is at the end of July (training and the Institute).
- Meals will be provided throughout the training and Institute.
- A great resume builder and unique experience to share with future employers!
Mentor job application
Applications are due by Friday, April 10, 2026 by 5 p.m.
1. Complete the application online: Click Here
2. Interviews will be in-person and scheduled for April 15-17. Please share your interview availability within your OSLI mentor application.
Contact Dr. Alison Doehring, Senior Director of Student Advocacy & Support (ZipAssist) and Student Affairs Development, at aer15@uakron.edu.
- Click here for the Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute (OSLI) Participant Application
Due by Friday, April 15 by 5 p.m.
Jim & Vanita Oelschlager
The Oelschlager Summer Leadership Institute (OSLI) is the result of a generous gift given to The University of Akron by Jim and Vanita Oelschlager. Started in 2001, Jim and Vanita wanted to give high school students the opportunity to develop themselves and become influential leaders and contributors within their communities. Due to their unparalleled generosity, area high school students are selected to participate in a summer workshop on The University of Akron’s campus each year.
OSLI Institute Director
Dr. Alison Doehring
330-972-6467
aer15@uakron.edu
Or contact: osli@uakron.edu