Saturday Opportunities

Robotics Program

This opportunity is available from late January to early May..

This opportunity is only suitable for engineering students currently enrolled at a local university like San Jose State University, Stanford University or Santa Clara University, OR professionals employed within the local high tech industry.

While we appreciate the interest of individuals in other fields, the goal of this program is to encourage youth to learn about and consider joining Silicon Valley's high tech workforce by pairing them with individuals entering or working in these fields. If you are not an engineer or a professional working in the high tech industry, please consider opportunities in our After School Academic Program or Summer of Learning Program.

• Tech Challenge Mentors are needed to connect and educate youth about careers opportunities in engineering, science or technology related fields by working in teams to address a specific design challenge.

Tech Challenge Mentors are expected to:

Show youth how to manage a project so their device is ready in time for the annual Tech Challenge competition

Teach youth how to work as a team by ensuring each member has an opportunity to contribute his/her ideas to the team

Guide youth so they are remain focused on their challenge

Provide encouragement and motivation as youth experience failures during the testing phase

This is our most intense service opportunity and requires a 4 month, once per week, Saturday morning commitment. Service hours are from 9:30am to 12:00 noon and until 3:00pm the month of the Tech Challenge (usually in April). In addition, hours may be required outside of the program to research and purchase or secure materials for your team.

Training is provided by the Tech Museum of Innovation for mentors who do not have previous work experience with youth. In addition, Third Street Community Center will try to pair new mentors with experienced mentors. Staff support is available.