Position Summary
Your passion has the power to inspire the next generation. As a Specialty Instructor, Beyond the Bell Grant, High School, you'll transform your expertise into engaging, hands on learning experiences that help high school students discover new interests, build real world skills, and explore future career pathways. Whether your specialty is robotics, coding, graphic design, filmmaking, music, photography, dance, esports, entrepreneurship, sports, theater, or another area of expertise, you'll create an environment where teens are challenged to think creatively, collaborate with others, and master new skills. You'll lead a specialty club designed around project based learning, giving students the opportunity to showcase what they've learned while building confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging. If you're passionate about sharing what you love and helping young people discover what's possible, we'd love to welcome you to our team. This is a part-time, seasonal, grant-funded position supporting high school students during the school year.
How You'll Make an Impact
- Lead engaging specialty clubs that help students develop practical skills, explore career interests, and build confidence in your area of expertise.
- Design project based learning experiences that culminate in a showcase, exhibition, performance, competition, or other celebration of student achievement.
- Build authentic relationships with teens while encouraging creativity, collaboration, leadership, and positive self-expression.
- Create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment where every student feels encouraged to participate and grow.
- Help ensure the program operates safely and effectively while meeting YMCA and grant requirements and creating exceptional experiences for students.
Schedule
This is a part-time, seasonal position averaging 4 to 6 hours per week. Specialty Instructors typically teach Monday through Friday between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., depending on the assigned club schedule. Paid training and professional development are provided throughout the school year. Additional opportunities for work may be available during school breaks, including summer programs, summer school support, and other YMCA youth programs.
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for professionals, artists, creators, coaches, performers, educators, and industry experts who are excited to share their knowledge with the next generation. Whether you're a graphic designer, software developer, engineer, musician, filmmaker, athlete, entrepreneur, photographer, dancer, or skilled professional in another discipline, you'll thrive in this role if you're passionate about teaching, mentoring, and helping teens discover their talents while building skills that prepare them for the future.
Qualifications
Why You'll Love Working at the Y
Whether you're looking to share your expertise, inspire the next generation, or give back to your community, the Y is a place where your passion can make a lasting impact.
Stay Active. Stay Healthy.
- Free gym membership with access to YMCA centers across Greater Los Angeles.
- Team Member Assistance Program with confidential counseling and support resources.
- Paid Well-Being Day to rest, recharge, and focus on yourself.
Grow Personally & Professionally
- Build your résumé through paid training, certifications, and leadership development.
- Tuition assistance through partner universities, including Capella University, Springfield College, and Strayer University.
- Expand your professional network through the YMCA Professional Network (YPN).
- Opportunities to grow your career with one of the nation's largest YMCA associations.
- 10% employer contribution to the Y Retirement Fund (upon eligibility).
- Tax deferred and Roth 403(b) retirement savings options.
Enjoy Exclusive Team Member Perks
- Save on YMCA programs, including swim lessons, personal training, camps, youth programs, and more.
- Complimentary before and after school child care for eligible Team Members (restrictions apply).
- Free youth sports and enrichment classes for your children, including ballet and martial arts.
Save Every Day
- Enjoy exclusive savings through PerkSpot, plus discounts on wireless services and Dell products.
- Access exclusive financial benefits through Rize Credit Union.
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
At the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Every day, our Team Members help strengthen communities by creating spaces where children, teens, adults, and families experience belonging, discover their potential, and build meaningful connections. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose and inspire the next generation through your unique talents and expertise, we'd love to welcome you to our team.
REQ# 4052
Skills Required
- Expertise in a specialty area (e.g., robotics, coding, graphic design, filmmaking, music, photography, dance, esports, entrepreneurship, sports, theater)
- Ability to design and lead project-based learning culminating in a showcase, exhibition, performance, or competition
- Experience working with high school students and building positive, authentic relationships with teens
- Availability to teach part-time (approximately 4–6 hours per week) Monday–Friday afternoons (typically 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
- Ability to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment
- Willingness to follow YMCA and grant program requirements and attend paid training/professional development
What We Do
The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community well-being through programs focused on healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility. It provides a diverse range of services, including fitness classes, youth sports, after-school programs, and community outreach initiatives, aiming to build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies for individuals and families throughout the Los Angeles area.
