STEAM Intern (Chicago Youth Centers)

DEPARTMENT:   STEAM Initiatives

JOB TITLE: STEAM Intern

REPORTS TO: Manager of STEAM Initiatives and External Partnerships

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday; varies based on student’s schedule and agency needs 

LOCATIONS:                    CYC Rebecca Crown- 7601 South Philips Ave 60649 (South Shore) 

CYC Calumet Heights- 9207 South Philips Ave, 60617 (Calumet Heights)

CYC Epstein - 3415 W 13th Pl, Chicago, IL 60623 (North Lawndale) 

Agency Description: Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) is the place where possibility lives for more than 1,300 Chicago children and 600 parents and caregivers each year. The mission of Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) is to provide high-quality early learning and out-of-school time enrichment in under-resourced neighborhoods to holistically support children of all ages, their families, and CYC envisions a Chicago where every child has equitable access to the resources, experiences, safe spaces, and mentors that they need to live each day as their best selves. 

Our STEAM Program: To help our students build employable 21st century skills (the 4C’s: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Critical Thinking Skills). CYC delivers a robust STEAM (STEM + the arts) education program to provide access to technologies, equipment, and expert one-on-one instruction necessary to thrive in a 21st century economy and be better prepared for college and career paths.

Each of our CYC Centers has a Maker Space on site with a Maker Lab Specialist. Youth become innovators as they develop STEAM-focused technical skills (how to code, manipulate vectors, use a 3-D printer, laser cutter, etc.) and applied skills (how to think critically about complex problems, work in teams, and follow a project from idea to product). Youth are also exposed to programs and experiences with a programmatic emphasis in youth-driven interests, project-based learning, skill building, the maker movement (3D printing, vinyl cutters, Arduinos, e-textiles, robotics, hands-on building, crafting and visual arts), and STEM workshops/clubs (science, technology, engineering, math).

The Opportunity: In collaboration with the Manager of STEAM Initiatives and Maker Lab Specialist, The Maker Lab-STEAM Intern will support elementary, middle, and high school youth in using the lab’s computers, resources, and Maker Lab equipment. The role requires a high level of teamwork, responsibility, communication, capacity for youth mentorship and customer focus as well as the ability to positively and appropriately interact with youth, families and community members. 

TASKS AND DUTIES:

• Help maintain a supportive environment that is conducive to skill development and adolescent development based on youth-interests and peer and intergenerational collaboration.
• Assist with preparing Maker Lab spaces including setup and cleanup. Operate and inventory a variety of site-specific equipment including but not limited to desktop and laptop computers (PC’s), printers, cameras, 3D printers, and vinyl cutters. Perform basic and routine technical maintenance when needed.
• Conduct one-on-one and group tutoring; update class and tutoring materials as needed.
• Instruct/assist in the instruction of classes on a variety of technology related subjects including but not limited to digital media, the maker movement, or STEM.
• Assist with pursuing STEAM community partnerships and organizing logistics of STEAM-based activities and events.
• Provide participants with regular opportunities to showcase work both through CYC and through other opportunities and venues.
• Contribute to daily record and statistics keeping.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Job experience and/or coursework in computer technology, digital media, or multimedia, a S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. discipline, hardware or software applications and troubleshooting, Internet research, teaching, or training.
• Solid interpersonal and communication skills for providing customer service to people of all ages, but especially adolescents and interacting with staff across the organization. 
• Willingness to take direction and work collaboratively as part of a team in a fast-paced, and service-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage time and tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to commit to a flexible schedule.
• Familiarity with both PC and Mac computers; basic knowledge of computer functions including MS Office products, email, Internet, desktop, and laptop computers (PC and Mac), printers, iPads, or other tablets. Including experience with the following software: Photoshop, Illustrator, Tinker Cad, Canva, etc. Commitment and ability to learn and use newly installed equipment including 3D printers, vinyl cutters, etc.