The Black Educator Mentorship and Support Program is a community centered initiative designed to address the underrepresentation of Black educators in California Community Colleges by preparing Black graduate students for tenure track, full time community college faculty positions.

B.E.A.M.S. offers a paid internship experience grounded in professional development, mentorship, and guided engagement. The program is intentionally structured to support participants as they build the skills, experience, and institutional knowledge needed to compete for full time, tenure track community college faculty positions.

Who Should Apply

B.E.A.M.S. is intended for Black graduate students who are interested in becoming community college faculty and who want meaningful preparation, mentorship, and institutional exposure.

You are eligible to apply if you:

  • identify as a Black student
  • are currently enrolled in a graduate program at a college or university
  • have a strong interest in teaching at and pursuing future faculty roles in a community college system
  • demonstrate a commitment to advancing anti oppressive and liberatory education

What You’ll Do

As a B.E.A.M.S. intern, you will participate in a structured experience that includes: 

  • mentorship with faculty at Skyline College
  • professional development focused on community college teaching and faculty hiring
  • classroom observation and teaching related experiences
  • participation in department meetings, committees, and faculty professional learning spaces
  • guided exposure to the expectations and responsibilities of full time community college faculty

Time Commitment and Compensation 

B.E.A.M.S. is a semester length paid internship. Participants are expected to engage consistently throughout the spring term through a combination of scheduled activities and independent work.

Participants typically engage in:

  • Weekly engagement with faculty through classroom observation, office hours, and regular check ins
  • Monthly professional development trainings focused on community college teaching and faculty preparation
  • Campus engagement, including participation in faculty professional development and governance spaces
  • Independent work, such as grading and lesson planning, completed outside of scheduled meetings

Before You Apply

Please have the following ready before starting the application:

  • Statement of Interest
    • Submit either a written statement (500–750 words) or a short video statement (3–5 minutes) responding to prompts about your interest in community college teaching, commitment to anti oppressive and liberatory education, and how B.E.A.M.S. supports your faculty preparation.
  • Resume or CV
  • One reference (name and contact information)

How to Apply

To apply to B.E.A.M.S., complete the online application form linked below. All materials are submitted directly through the form.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Selected applicants may be contacted for a brief intake conversation to discuss alignment with program goals and expectations.

Apply to B.E.A.M.S.