THINKspot at Mesa Public Library- Red Mountain Branch

**635 N. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ 85205, www.MesaTHINKspot.org

Position Title: THINKspot at Mesa Public Library VISTA Summer Associate

About Host Site: Mesa THINKspot is a collaborative workspace and maker space within the Red Mountain Branch of the Mesa Public Library. We provide the community hands-on opportunities to innovate in a flexible, multipurpose space that encourages collaboration, conversation, creativity, and curiosity. We host workshops and trainings for all ages, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) concepts for K-12 youth. Our facility has two 3D printers, green screen Studio with HD quality photo/video camera, iMac computers, sewing machines, zSpace holographic computer, and collaborative tables and rooms with SMARTboard technology.

About HandsOn Greater Phoenix: HandsOn Greater Phoenix manages a team of VISTA members who dedicate their time to building a better future for the people in the communities they serve. HandsOn Greater Phoenix is offering a unique opportunity to engage K-12 youth in summer learning activities through a Summer Associates service term.

Position Overview: 40 hours/week from May 30th– July 30th.  Monday-Friday or Monday-Saturday schedule with mix of daytime and evening hours.  Friday/Saturday day worked will vary based on programming for the public.  Example:

·     Monday 10am-8pm (9 hours + 1 hour unpaid lunch)

·     Tuesday 8am-6pm (9 hours + 1 hour unpaid lunch)

·     Wednesday 11am-8pm (8 hours + 1 hour unpaid lunch)

·     Thursday 9am-5pm (6 hours + 1 hour unpaid lunch)

·     Friday or Saturday 8am-5pm (8 hours + 1 hour unpaid lunch)

Position Description

The goal of the Summer Associate in THINKspot is to engage K-12 youth in summer learning activities and support library users in their use of technology. The Associate would do so by creating, organizing, and implementing new or and conducting existing educational workshops and trainings for K-12 youth that would relate to technology and STEAM concepts including Steam Storytime, Code Club (expanded during summer), and video game development.  They would assist with THINKspot teen summer programming including film and fashion camps and they would support youth programming held elsewhere in the library building. Additionally, the Associate would help maintain the technology within the space and welcome K-12 youth to the facility and empower them to participate in workshops and use the technology.  They would also assist with HotSpot (open-door assistance for adults in using their devices with library digital collections) and can instruct on 3D printing classes for those aged 14+.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities

·     Follow VISTA program goals

·     Participate in HandsOn training

·     Create, organize, and implement educational workshops and trainings for K-12 youth

·     Assist librarians with K-12 summer reading projects

·     Help maintain the technology within the space

·     Organize materials and supplies for the space and workshops

·     Be the host of THINKspot by welcoming K-12 youth to the facility and empowering them to participate in workshops and use the technology

·     Provide additional program support related to technology for all ages

Desired Skills

·     Experience leading youth in educational activities

·     Ability to work well in diverse teams

·     Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative

·     Strong desire to dedicate 8 weeks full-time to working with youth in a space that also welcomes teens and adults

·     Comfortable and experienced in using technology (for example, engaged in a technology academic program)

·     Strong organizational skills

·     Willingness to learn new things and work with emerging technologies

Minimum Qualifications

·     U.S. Citizens, nationals or lawful permanent residents and between 18 – 24 years of age

·     Must have a minimum of a High School Diploma

·     Highly desirable:  Participation in a technology academic program

In addition to the minimum requirements for the program, this position requires the following: Fingerprint clearance and background check, and obtain a Volunteer badge with the City.

Benefits

Summer Associates receive benefits and support during and after successful completion of summer service. Associates are eligible to receive:

·     A Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $1,222.22 or a $230 summer end-of service stipend

·     On-site orientation and training

·     A living allowance of approximately $1,790 (for 56 days) to cover necessities during service

·     Involvement in the AmeriCorps VISTA Alumni Network and eCommunity

·     During period of volunteerism:

o     Covered parking

o     No overdue fines on library materials

o     25% off in the Used Bookstores and Online Bookstore