STEAMbassadors
A community mentorship initiative founded by Northwestern University Office of Community Partnerships, City Colleges of Chicago and Project Exploration in 2020.
Apply now to be a paid STEAM mentor this summer. Work with youth to code drones to fly and robots to dance; make games, swagg, and music beats; create digital stories and art. Explore and learn valuable STEAM skills while having fun and inspiring youth from your own community and more. No experience necessary.
APPLY NOW"I know how valuable mentors in my life have been so I thought if I could just be a little bit of that to anyone else that would be awesome."
About the Program
STEAMbassadors are specially-trained mentors from partnering two-and four-year institutions who facilitate camps, programs, and activities with elementary and middle-school aged Chicago and/or Evanston youth in STEAM activities such as coding music, flying drones, building machines, and writing stories in online and face-to-face informal learning spaces. No prior teaching experience is necessary to become a STEAMbassador.
STEAMville is an online platform we created to allow youth to discover, develop, and showcase their STEAM interests and identities and to connect to other STEAM learning opportunities. We use the STEAMville online platform as a tool for training and program implementation. Mentors will learn on and through STEAMville, and then use it to support their programs.
Learn more about our first STEAMbassador cohort:
Schedule of Youth Programming
STEAMbassadors are recruited throughout the year to be assigned in varied youth program opportunities scheduled in the fall, spring, and summer. Check the application form for upcoming program dates.
Gain Employment Experience
Expand Your Network
Learn New Skills
The STEAMbassador Journey
Apply to the Program
The STEAMbassadors application is a 2-step process. First, complete the application form linked above. Second, if you are a Chicago Community College student or a resident of Chicago you must complete the One Summer Chicago application as well. Once all necessary applications been submitted you will receive an email, within 2 weeks of applying, welcoming you to the STEAMbassadors community.
Level Up Your Skill Set
Once you are officially hired as a mentor, you will begin your paid training. You will gain valuable workforce development and STEAM skills to prepare you to lead summer camps as a community leader for K-8 youth from your own community and beyond.
Once you successfully complete your paid training you are guaranteed an opportunity for summer employment as a camp lead mentor until mid-August.
Lead as a Mentor to Youth
You will be placed with community partners for summer employment where you will lead camps based on the STEAM skills you learned during paid training. Camps may be in person or virtual depending on the individual programs.
You will continue to receive support and access to learning and skill development, and you will build community with other mentors throughout your placement.
STEAMbassador Community Connections
STEAMbassadors doesn’t end with summer employment. You will be welcomed into a community where opportunities to engage will be curated especially for you. Free access to STEAMville will continue, and ongoing learning, professional development and employment opportunities will be shared, and peer-to-peer social interactions continue year round as well.
I never knew that I could do that much to inspire kids to change who they are or be like another role model for them.
FAQs
Let's answer some questions.
Will STEAMbassadors work in person or virtually?
STEAMbassadors is part time. How many hours per week will I work and when should I be available?
Once your job leading youth programming begins, you can expect to work a minimum of 5 hours per week. Some of your work will be done synchronously and in-person on a specific schedule, and some will be done asynchronously as it fits in your schedule. Your typical work schedule will be 9am-12 pm on Saturdays and/or from 4pm-6pm on weekdays depending on your placement. You must be available during your scheduled times.
You will participate in training based on the program to which you are assigned. Training will involve a mix of Zoom sessions, in-person meetings, and asynchronous self-paced activities. We will share a more detailed schedule with you before training begins.
Can I still be a STEAMbassador even if I am a full-time student?
YES! We highly encourage continued learning while working as a STEAMbassador. However, depending on your placement, you will need to be available Saturdays from 9am-12, select weekdays from 3pm-6pm, or both. This job also requires some prep work throughout the week as well attending training sessions before programming sessions. We do recommend that you consider how much you can balance with school and work demands. If you are not sure about scheduling and balancing, email us or include a note in your application so we can discuss.
What if I don’t have any STEM skills? Can I still apply?
Absolutely, yes! First, we are willing to bet that you have more skills than you realize, even if you (or your school) doesn’t always label them as “STEM skills.” Just look at you using the internet and figuring things out - tech, problem solving, check, and check! But more importantly, we have designed STEAMbassadors intentionally so that part of your work is learning and leveling up your skills. All that we ask is that you have a desire to develop your STEM skills and identity.
This work takes a village of people with all kinds of skills, but we need everyone to be willing to try, to engage, to believe in yourself, and find ways to build your skillset. The more you learn, the more you can earn. Bonus!
What are the dates and the schedule for the program?
The priority application deadline is November 25, 2022. The first paid training session will be a 3 hour in-person session on December 14, 2022 (tentatively 4-7 pm) Your content training schedule will vary based on your program placement. Some training will be scheduled in person, and some will be self-paced asynchronous activity.
All youth programming starts on January 28, 2023 and runs through May. There are options to work Saturdays from 9am-12pm at the Chicago locations, and 3-6pm on weekdays at the Evanston locations.
How much will I get paid?
The minimum will be $15, though there will be opportunities for STEAMbassadors to earn more.
Do all of the jobs for STEAMbassadors involve working with youth?
The minimum wage is $15.40 per hour, though there will be opportunities for STEAMbassadors to earn more depending on experience.
What if I have another question that is not answered here?
Excellent! We love questions. Email Arikpo Dada (Program Coordinator) at arikpo.dada@northwestern.edu.
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Starting with the Spring 2023 programming cycle, STEAMbassadors will be working with youth in person, therefore it is crucial that STEAMbassdors reside in the Chicago area throughout their entire gig placement. Some training sessions may be held online or in person.