Sample Makerspace Mentor “Job Description”

Makerspace brings together like-minded young people, adult mentors, and fabrication facilities to help more kids make more things. Its collaborative community celebrates an open-ended culture of creativity, innovation, and experimentation, melding diverse disciplines—math, science, art, craft, engineering, green design, music, and more— into ambitious projects.

Summary

Mentors assist, support, and encourage Makerspace members as they learn new skills for making things and complete a project to display at Maker Faire.

Responsibilities

• Guide members (in grades 8 to 12)

• Identify members who might need extra support or encouragement

• Provide general help to members

• Offer encouragement to members

• Work one-on-one with members or in groups of up to 4 members

• Offer specific guidance or workshops in areas of expertise

• Organize logistics for projects

• Bring any serious concerns/issues to the attention of program staff

• Engage in your own learning and exploration

Other Optional Duties

• Technical support of project documentation (video, photos, sketchbook, lab notebook, blog)

• Establishing contacts to obtain in-kind donations, sustain member projects, and to give members and mentors possible tips and resources.

• Good time-management and project-planning skills (these are very helpful!)

Time Commitment

Spring 2010 (January–May)

at least 6 hours/month, plus project work time (which increases greatly just before Maker Faire)

Compensation

Unpaid, and/or for course credit

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn and make things

• Experience and/or strong interest in working with young people ages 12-18

• Skills with technology, art, craft, engineering, music, science, green design, and other Maker themes OR curiosity and commitment to developing such skills

• Open to the experience of meeting new people and sharing ideas (i.e. you may not be a good fit if you consider yourself “shy”)

• A commitment to work as a team and to be a part of Makerspace community

• A desire to support the Makerspace philosophy

Benefits

• Free admission to Maker Faire

• Volunteer status at the Exploratorium upon completion of 40 hours (benefits include a one- year Museum membership with associated benefits, including a 20% discount at the Exploratorium store and café, and invitations to special events)

• One-year subscription to Make: magazine

• Orientation to Makerspace by staff from Disney- PIXAR, the Exploratorium, and or Make Magazine / Maker Faire.

• Additional training as needed, available, and appropriate.

• A creative, supportive environment to explore one’s own interests alongside the members.

• Opportunity to help young people build skills and confidence

• Volunteer experience

• The opportunity to network with program staff and mentors throughout the region

Application Process

To apply for this volunteer opportunity in a diverse & dynamic work environment, please submit your cover letter & resume by email to @ and please include the position title “Makerspace Mentor” in the email subject line.