AmeriCorps Makerspace Instructor

About the role

The Utah STEM Action Center is seeking AmeriCorps Makerspace Instructors to build STEM interest in identity through the facilitation of maker-focused STEM experiences in communities across the state of Utah.

Responsibilities

• Create and facilitate maker-focused STEM experiences for youth, families, and individuals across Utah.
• Develop and facilitate one-time workshops on STEM and engineering skills (e.g., 3D printing, laser cutting, machining, engineering design).
• Develop and facilitate in-depth courses (week-long or multi-week) focusing on the engineering design process and STEM skills.
• Career connection opportunities, such as career fairs, STEM professional panels, industry-sponsored workshops, and STEM professional mentoring programs.
• Mentor for youth in STEM service-learning programs, guiding and supporting their engagement in projects that benefit the community.
• Develop and facilitate online, asynchronous workshop modules for the STEM AC's Canvas account, shared via Creative Commons.
• Develop makerspace resources for Utah communities, including equipment technical support guides/videos, suggested materials lists, maker toolkits, and lesson plans.
• Organize and support large-scale maker-focused events (e.g., statewide competitions, conferences like MakerCon, state/local maker fairs).
• Provide technical assistance, support, training, and maker maintenance help to local communities for their maker efforts.
• Collaborate with members across the statewide network to develop statewide programming and share best practices.
• Use surveys and tools to track participant satisfaction, STEM identity, skill building and more.
• Recruit, train, and supervise community volunteers and/or older students to expand capacity of makerspace programming.
• Complete pre-service and annual training modules on the UMAKE learning system.
• Actively engage in the AmeriCorps Community of Learning, facilitated through Discord.
• Meet all other requirements of the contractual agreement (explained and signed at orientation).

Requirements

• Experience working with children or youth.
• Interest in pursuing a career in education, STEM, or a related field.
• Comfortable teaching and facilitating STEM-focused maker learning activities.
• At least 17 years old and a citizen, or permanent resident, of the United States, and able to show documentation confirming this.
• Pass an FBI background check/National Sex Offender Database check conducted prior to hire in accordance with NSCHC requirements.
• Willingness to learn how to operate tools and machinery like 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, sewing and embroidery machines, and more.
• Proficient with basic computer software, including word processors and email.
• Able to collaborate with site-supervisors, volunteers, program managers, and other Members.
• Able to participate in the AmeriCorps Community of Practice hosted on the Discord platform.

Qualifications

• Must be proficient with basic computer software, including word processors and email.
• Must be able to collaborate with site-supervisors, volunteers, program managers, and other Members.
• Must be able to participate in the AmeriCorps Community of Practice hosted on the Discord platform.

Skills

• Facilitation of maker-focused STEM experiences.
• Running and maintaining makerspace equipment resources like 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, etc. for use statewide.

Benefits

• Living stipend of up to $4,500 for minimum-time members, up to $6,750 for quarter-time members, and up to $13,500 for half-time members.
• Education credit that can be used for tuition, fees, and books at any accredited post-secondary institution or towards payment of student loans.
• For members over the age of 55, the education award can be transferred to a child or grandchild.
• Forgiveness of student loan payments.

Pay

• Minimum-time members: Up to $4,500
• Quarter-time members: Up to $6,750
• Half-time members: Up to $13,500

Schedule

• Time limited (TL)