The Tilikum Summer Health Experience is a 5-week hybrid summer enrichment program designed for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) undergraduate students, with a focus on freshmen and sophomores. The program combines two weeks of virtual instruction with three weeks of in-person programming in Portland, Oregon. Students receive academic enrichment in the sciences, mentorship, and hands-on exposure to health professions, all within a culturally grounded and community-centered environment.

 

The 2026 cohort will include up to 30 students, reflecting continued program growth and demand. Peer Tutors serve as essential members of the Tilikum program team, providing mentorship and participant support across both virtual and in-person components. This role includes daytime program support as well as, for designated staff, overnight on-call responsibilities during the in-person portion of the program.

 

This role includes daytime program support as well as, for designated staff, overnight on-call responsibilities during the in-person portion of the program.

Participant Support and Communication

• Serve as a primary point of contact for program participants, providing timely communication and support
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students
• Support student engagement, encourage participation, and help address questions or concerns

Mentorship & Cohort Support

• Serve as a near-peer mentor to assigned participants (approximately 10–15 students)
• Support relationship-building and cohort cohesion
• Model professionalism, leadership, and engagement
• Escort participants to and from classes, events, and activities, ensuring safety and punctuality
• Assist with setup, facilitation, and breakdown of program activities
• Support faculty as a Teaching Assistant during academic sessions

Program & Activity Support

• Track and report participant attendance, participation and progress to Tilikum Program leadership.
• Maintain confidentiality of Tilikum Program participant information and academic records in compliance with FERPA.
• Participate in Tilikum Peer Tutor training sessions and ongoing professional development.
• Adhere to established schedules and maintain punctuality and professionalism.

Overnight Support (Designated Roles Only)

• Stay on-site at program housing (University Place Hotel) during in-person weeks
• Serve as on-call support for participant needs outside of scheduled program hours
• Respond to student concerns and escalate issues to program leadership as needed

• Enrolled in or on vacation from or is otherwise registered in Undergraduate Program (minimum 6 credit hours)

  • Instructor or department approval required

• Knowledge and experience working with American Indian and/or Alaska Native organizations and communities

• Ability to support students from diverse backgrounds, particularly American Indian/Alaska Native students

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to respond to dynamic situations in a timely and professional manner

• Strong interpersonal communication and leadership skills.

• Ability to take initiative and work independently as well as in a team environment

• Intermediate computer knowledge and skills using MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook).  

• Experience participating in pathway programs such as Tilikum, FORWARD, Wy’east, THS, or similar initiatives
• Experience working with undergraduate students in mentoring or leadership roles

• Prior tutoring, teaching, or instructional support experience

• Experience participating in, or supporting, educational or mentoring programs.
• Experience using survey development and data management programs

This position requires both virtual (remote) and in-person work at Portland State University and OHSU

• In-person programming includes working in academic, clinical, and community-based settings
• Some physical activity is required, including escorting participants and assisting with program setup

Program dates: July 6 – August 7, 2026

• Virtual weeks: 
  • Remote support during scheduled program hours
• In-person weeks:
  • Daytime shifts (approx. 8:00am – 4:00pm or similar)
  • Evening/late afternoon shifts as needed
• Overnight roles:
  • Two designated student workers will reside on-site during in-person weeks and each support a group of approximately 15 participants. They will rotate overnight on-call responsibilities and serve as the primary point of contact for student needs outside of scheduled program hours.
  • Housing is provided for student workers assigned to overnight roles during the in-person portion of the program

We are Oregon's only public academic health center.

In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

All are welcome.

OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.

To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu