Mentor High School Students: Mentors in the Making Volunteer

Mentors work alongside a high school student in designing projects using technologies like 3D printing and laser cutting, while building a positive relationship with the student and supporting them in developing life skills and exploring a career in STEM.

• Mentors will work alongside a student while learning to use the Fab Lab equipment and software and then designing a capstone project that will have a positive impact in the community.
• Mentors are expected to act as a role model and a source of friendship and encouragement for their mentee.
• Mentors assist and collaborate with students on their project, and they empower and inspire the mentee to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Mentors also support students by guiding conversations about careers and school.

The Mentors in the Making program is a 1:1 mentoring program at BNY Mellon Fab Lab Carnegie Science Center for youth ages 14-18 from low-income families in the Pittsburgh area. The program was started in 2017 because, although the Mobile Fab Lab brings digital fabrication experiences to hundreds of students in their classrooms, there was a need for students to explore "making" inside the Fab Lab space over a longer period of time. Through Mentors in the Making, students learn digital fabrication and design alongside their mentors during weekly sessions that take place both online and in person, alternating every other week throughout the school year. Virtual sessions focus on digital design, and sessions in person emphasize hands-on making using Fab Lab equipment. Together, students and mentors engage in the Engineering Design Process to work on complex projects. As students lead projects, mentors model skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. As STEM professionals, mentors also offer their guidance and perspectives regarding school and career choices.