About BEAM
Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM) creates pathways for students from low-income, low-access backgrounds to become scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and computer scientists.
We provide BEAM students the same access to high-quality preparation in STEM as their more affluent peers, and we invest deeply in our students' success, with programming from middle school through college graduation focused on joyous, exciting, and rigorous mathematics, building vibrant communities, and supporting students in key life transitions such as college admissions and financial aid.
BEAM has grown from a small summer program serving 17 students in the summer of 2011 to a year-round, national program, serving 450+ students at six summer program sites and 600+ students in year-round programming in New York City and Los Angeles this school year. In addition, our BEAM National pilot program now reaches around 1000 elementary-aged students in seven different states, working to create a new nationwide pathway modeled on our local work. We've seen our students' successes first-hand, and it's backed by data: a quasi-experimental study found that students who attended our 7th grade summer program were 1.3X as likely to declare a STEM major as a matched comparison group.
Teaching Assistant for BEAM Year-round Saturday Program
This upcoming academic year will be part of a transformative experience for students from low-income and historically marginalized communities with exceptional potential in math. Be a role model, guide, and friend to your students as they begin their path to advanced mathematics.
Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics (BEAM), a project of the Art of Problem Solving Initiative, Inc., is seeking undergraduate students or recent graduates to be teaching assistants for a year-round Saturday program that gives everyone a chance to excel in mathematics. During the academic year 2026-27 we run the BEAM Gateway Program, a series of major-focused enrichment courses in advanced mathematics for 8th-11th grade students in Los Angeles. This enrichment program is foundational to our mission, serving as student’s longest experience with BEAM and its 10-year support commitment (Gateway Program).
What You’ll Do:
During BEAM Saturday enrichment programming, you'll create a vibrant academic experience for kids who are discovering the wide range of opportunities and experiences available in advanced mathematics. In this role, you'll be a TA for classes on topics in Number theory, Linear Algebra, Group Theory, Discrete Math, Mathematical Biology, Probability and Statistics, or Programming. Courses taught at BEAM Saturday enrichment are designed by curriculum developers from across the country and focus on topics in mathematics that they’re passionate about and chosen by students based on what they are interested in. Be a role model and guide for students who are just beginning to explore their educational pathway!
As a Teaching Assistant, you will:
- Supervise students through enrichment courses in advanced mathematics
- Assist faculty and staff with classroom and program operations
- Run social and community activities for middle school students
- Build a positive social environment for middle and high school students
- Work with students on mathematics, both one-on-one and as a teaching assistant
Who You Are:
Teaching Assistants must be strong mathematically, be reliable, and take initiative. They should be charismatic and able to help the kids have fun. All teaching assistants must be at least 18 years old by the beginning of the program. In addition, applicants must be authorized to work for an employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time. International students able to obtain CPT or OPT are welcome to apply.
For more information and program details, including examples of what a typical day would look like, please visit BEAM Gateway — Bridge to Enter Advanced Mathematics.
What We Offer:
- Working with awesome team, including our coordinators, faculty, and program manager
- Become empowered as a leader – opportunity to exercise leadership skills in a fun environment
- Have the opportunity to join us on field trips, celebrations, and more!
Application Process and Deadline:
- If interested, submit your application, including an unofficial transcript (or copy of high school transcript) and responses to some short application questions via our online portal.
- When your application is complete, a representative will reach out to you, inviting you to a 45 minute virtual interview with an experienced BEAM staff member as the final step of the process.
- If accepted for the position, you will receive a contract agreement via Docusign for the upcoming Fall 2026 semester. We hope you will consider remaining with us for the Spring as well!
Details:
- Location: Central Los Angeles, specific location TBD
- Hours: The day runs 9:00am - 2:00pm on Saturdays, with breaks provided. Teaching assistants will average around 6 hours on duty per day.
- Compensation: $19/hour. We will also provide light breakfast and lunch.
- Dates/Location:
Tuesday, September 15
Start Date; training session
Saturday, September 26
Enrichment Courses
Saturday, October 3
Enrichment Courses
Saturday, October 10
STEM Access Day*
Saturday, October 17
Enrichment Courses
Saturday, October 31
Enrichment Courses
Saturday, November 7
Enrichment Courses
Saturday, November 14
STEM Access Day*
Saturday, November 21
Enrichment Courses
Saturday, December 5
Enrichment Courses
Saturday, December 12
Enrichment Courses
Saturday, December 12
Enrichment Courses
*Faculty/Staff Orientation will be held in the afternoon for approximately 2 hours.
**STEM Access Days are day-long workshop events for BEAM students and caregivers to explore the field of STEM. As these days are held on Saturdays, and generally require similar work, they are expected days for the job.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Actively supporting classrooms, carrying laptops, classroom equipment, and supplies, walking up and down flights of stairs, speaking with students.
- Lifting and carrying classroom materials (up to 25 lbs), such as large bins or laptops up flights of stairs when elevator not available.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Beyond a commitment to nondiscrimination, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
BEAM is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race (including traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protected hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), ethnicity, religion (including clothing or facial hair worn in accordance with the religious tenets), color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, breastfeeding, gender (including actual or perceived sex, gender identity, and gender expression including a person’s actual or perceived gender-related self-image, appearance, behavior, expression, or other gender-related characteristic, regardless of the sex assigned to that person at birth), sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health decisions, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, status as a veteran, active military service member, or uniform service member, marital or partnership status, familial status, caregiver status, age (18 or older), predisposing genetic characteristics, disability, creed, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, unemployment status, salary history, credit history, an individual’s status as having a known relationship or association with a member or members of a protected category, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, promotion, discipline, and termination.
All personnel decisions will be made in accordance with the principles of equal employment opportunity and subject only to valid (job-related) requirements for employment, benefits, or promotional opportunities.