Great Science Academy Mentor

Save to Favorites

Overview: Great Lakes Science Center’s award-winning 'Great Science Academy" (GSA) is a longitudinal youth development program with documented success in developing perseverance and self-efficacy, building 21st century skills in collaboration and presentation, and familiarizing Scholars with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) career pathways.

Scholars attend every other Saturday from October through June and an overnight session in April. They also visit STEM-based organizations and employers in Northeast Ohio such as NASA Glenn Research Center, ArcelorMittal and West Creek Watershed for field trips where they interact with STEM professionals. Through hands-on experimentation and prototyping, they develop confidence and learn to share their science and engineering wisdom through demonstration and presentation opportunities while gaining insight into the landscape of STEM fields for continued study and future employment.

Program Objective: To address, encourage and expand the curiosity, knowledge, and application of science, technology, engineering, and math in the daily lives and future careers of young people (grades 6-9) from the greater Cleveland area.

Role Purpose:

To enable young Scholars to associate with and learn from working professionals in various STEM fields. A secondary purpose is to assist program staff in providing a safe, encouraging, and challenging learning environment for all participants.

Job Title:

Great Science Academy Volunteer

Location:

Volunteers normally work in labs and classrooms located at the Great Lakes Science Center in downtown Cleveland. At times, Volunteers will also travel with Scholars on field trips or to special activity sites.

Key Responsibilities:

The Great Science Academy Volunteer works with Scholars in grades 6-9 as they undertake various STEM-related projects and activities according to established grade themes. Depending on program needs and the Volunteer’s interests/preferences, he/she may also be asked to develop and lead instruction in an area of particular interest or expertise.

At each session, GSA Volunteers are responsible for -

1) Ensuring the safety and engagement of all Scholars during program activities

2) Sharing knowledge, experience and expertise from their own personal and professional life

3) Assisting with the interpretation and understanding of concepts, procedures, or problem solving during program activities

4) Providing positive feedback on each Scholar’s progress / encouraging the Scholars to continue their efforts

5) Reporting issues or problems to program staff

6) Assisting with various administrative functions as needed (food service, check-in/out, etc.)

Reports to:

Coordinator, GSA

Length of Appointment:

There is no limit to the length of time that GSA Volunteers may serve.

Time Commitment:

Each GSA grade level meets twice per month on Saturday mornings. Volunteers serve from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and are asked to commit at least one day of service per month of program operation.

Qualifications:

GSA Volunteers are individuals whom enjoy working with young learners, and have a passion for science, technology, engineering and math. All Volunteers at Great Lakes Science Center must pass a criminal history background check prior to the first day of service.

Support Provided:

Volunteers will be oriented on either a group of individual basis prior to the first session worked. A staff meeting is held prior to the start of each session to ensure all members are aware of the day’s instructional plans/activities

A light breakfast is provided for all Volunteers, as is a program T-shirt. Volunteers are also recognized annually by Great Lakes Science Center, and may be invited to/eligible for other special events or promotions.