AmeriCorps Makerspace Instructor - Paid Volunteer Opportunity

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.

Some responsibilities include:

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

ABOUT AMERICORPS:

AmeriCorps is a national organization modeled after the Peace Corps that involves opportunities for individuals to contribute to the betterment of their community through working in schools and with non-profit organizations. The Utah STEM Action Center Utah Maker Access and Knowledge Ecosystem (UMAKE) AmeriCorps Program is funded through the nationwide AmeriCorps organization and the Utah State Commission on Volunteers (UServe).

BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER:

Makerspace Instructors have the chance to learn about education and technology through the lens of maker-learning. In the process, they will develop excellent management, organization, communication, and teaching skills as they work directly with their site supervisors to create and administer high-quality

Makerspace Instructors work closely with the UMAKE program staff during their term of service and have ongoing access to the nationwide AmeriCorps Alumni Network that can help them with networking, employment and mentorship opportunities.

Member 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.
• Coordinate and organize career connection opportunities, such as career fairs, STEM professional panels, industry-sponsored workshops, and STEM professional mentoring programs.
• Act as a 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.

Other Member Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Complete hours under the site supervisor’s supervision and record service hours on a weekly timesheet.
• Meet all other requirements of the contractual agreement (explained and signed at orientation).

BENEFITS:

Over the course of their service term, members receive a 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. This living allowance is paid out in equal bi-monthly installments. Living stipend payments will cease upon completion of service.

At the end of each honorably completed service year, members are awarded an education credit that can be used for tuition, fees, and books at any accredited post-secondary institution or towards payment of student loans. For this position, this will total $1,565.08/$1,956.35/$3,697.50 for 300/450/900 hours of service, respectively. Members over the age of 55 can transfer their education award to a child or grandchild. All members qualify for forbearance of payments on current student loans.

INFORMATION ON THE AMERICORPS POSITION

If available, specific shift information for service sites is available below.

STEM Action Center’s Innovation Hub (South Salt Lake):

This location is primarily enrolling half time members serving year-long service contracts. Half-time members can expect to serve an average of 20 hours per week at this location. Specific shifts for the months of August - May are listed below. Summer hours will vary.

Shift 1: 5:00 - 9:00 pm, Monday - Friday

Shift 2: 1:00 - 5:00 pm, Monday - Thursday; 11:30 am - 3:30 pm Friday

Shift 3: 2:00 - 6:00 pm, Tuesday - Friday; 4 hour shifts every Saturday between the hours of 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, shift time varies depending on schedule needs.

Shift 4*: 4:00 - 8:00 pm Tuesday - Saturday most weeks, with one Saturday morning (9:30 am - 2:00 pm) per month instead of normal Saturday shift.

• Members on Shift 4 will act as mentors in the mySTEM program.

AmeriCorps members in these positions might see infrequent schedule variation due to special events or meetings. Summer hours will vary.

MEMBER REQUIREMENTS:

• Members should have experience working with children or youth. Preference will be given to those that have an interest in pursuing a career in education, STEM, or a related field.
• Members should feel comfortable teaching and facilitating STEM-focused maker learning activities.
• Members must be at least 17 years old and a citizen, or permanent resident, of the United States, and be able to show documentation confirming this.
• Members must submit to and pass an FBI background check/National Sex Offender Database check conducted prior to hire in accordance with NSCHC requirements.
• Members should have an interest in makerspaces, have a solid maker mindset, and be willing to learn how to operate tools and machinery like 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, sewing and embroidery machines, and more.
• Members must be proficient with basic computer software, including word processors and email.
• Members must be able to collaborate with site-supervisors, volunteers, program managers, and other Members.
• Members must be able to participate in the AmeriCorps Community of Practice hosted on the Discord platform.