About SMASH

At SMASH, we aim to build a strong STEM workforce through academic learning and experiential engagement for high school and college students. We empower dedicated students in STEM fields through intensive education, rigorous coursework, and access to resources, aiming to cultivate success in college and careers. Our vision is to create a STEM ecosystem where every student can thrive in the global economy. By providing opportunities, we seek to enrich our communities and workplaces with well-prepared, competitive leaders.

This is a pivotal time for SMASH as SMASH builds on the success of our programs. Working at SMASH is about rapid growth, grit, personal commitment, accountability, and courage to challenge the status quo. If you have what it takes to change the STEM landscape, we want to hear from you.

SMASH is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization operating under the umbrella of the Kapor Center family of organizations.

Position Description

Reporting to the Program Director, the Introduction to Electrical Engineering Workshop Facilitator will play an integral role in delivering and sustaining the transformative learning experience that SMASH Scholars need to pursue, persist, and succeed in STEM. Introduction to Electrical Engineering Workshop Facilitators will co-facilitate with two other facilitators, guiding a group of around 35-45 scholars through project-based learning.

The Introduction to Electrical Engineering Workshop is a hands-on, project-based course that introduces scholars to the fundamentals of electrical engineering. Scholars will work in various configurations including whole-group, small group, pairs, and individually. In addition to guiding scholars through hands-on exploration of electrical systems, circuits, and electronics components, facilitators will support scholars in developing project management skills, collaboration, and other workforce readiness traits. Strong Introduction to Electrical Engineering Workshop Facilitators will empower scholars to take ownership of their learning by facilitating through inquiry and guiding problem-solving processes, rather than simply providing answers. This is a shift from the traditional model of education and requires giving scholars space to experiment, troubleshoot, and lead, while stepping in to guide in the right direction when necessary.

Scholars will develop an understanding of how electrical systems work, learn to read and write electronics schematics, simulate circuits using Tinkercad Circuits, and build basic tools and devices using breadboards, wiring diagrams and electronics components.

This is a 3-week assignment, with an additional commitment of training prior to launch, and a virtual close out after SMASH Academy (see chart below for dates). 

As this role has a virtual component, we expect staff to provide the following -- their own personal computer (desktop or laptop) that has a working webcam, speaker and microphone for video conferencing capabilities (i.e. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex); reliable Internet connection (at least 25 Mbps download speed); and quiet work space for virtual programming. If you cannot provide your own equipment, please speak with your Program Director.

You must be available for all training and program dates.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to those listed below.

Key Responsibilities:

• Attend Training  (see dates above)
• Adhere to the structure of curriculum provided by SMASH
• Facilitate Introduction to Electrical Engineering Workshop Sessions
• • 2.5 hrs sessions 5 days/week 
  • Alternate between whole group, small group, and individual facilitation 
  • Facilitate learning through inquiry 
  • • Adequately prep for sessions by reviewing material, building out sample projects in advance, and being ready to debug and troubleshoot scholar circuits during sessions
    • Take attendance and communicate absences with Program Director and/or the Program Coordinator
    • Ensure technical logistics are in order in virtual sessions during last week of program
    • Communicate with co-facilitators to ensure smooth lesson delivery
    • Guide conversation between participants, ensuring all voices are heard
    • Manage the space to ensure outcomes are met for the day and that the group is on track relative to larger outcomes and goals for the summer
  • Continuously assess scholar learning, provide feedback, and pivot as needed
  • Communicate and reflect with co-facilitators to ensure activities are aligned and ensure outcomes are met
  • Log student achievement data on a weekly basis
• Attend Weekly Staff Meetings (1hr/week)
• Attend Staff Closeout 
• Ensure Completion of Deliverables (e.g. log pre + post assessment scores, attendance, staff surveys, final inventory, etc.)

Qualifications and Considerations:

• Experience and comfort with basic electronics, circuit building, wiring, and breadboarding is required
• Understanding of high-school level science concepts, particularly electricity and electrical systems
• Comfort working with electronics components like resistors, transistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and guide scholars through problem-solving processes
• Experience with online simulation tools (e.g. Tinkercad Circuits) is helpful but not required
• Ability to manage and organize small electronics components, materials, and lab equipment
• Strong facilitation skills and ability to support student-centered, inquiry-based learning
• Facilitators do not require an extensive engineering background, but a solid foundation in electricity from K-12 science curriculum is essential
• Works best in spaces with large lab or workshop tables, not standalone desks in rows
• Passion for STEM education and commitment to supporting underrepresented students in pursuing STEM pathways

What you bring:

• Commitment  to SMASH’s mission; willingness to embrace goals/values is essential
• Demonstrated experience and success co-facilitating workshops with 40-45 participants (preferably at high school level)
• A belief that ALL scholars are capable of growing and achieving as learners 

• Previous experience with adopting and adapting to new technologies through self-guidance and video tutorials
• Results-driven; work around potential obstacles to ensure all goals are met and deliverables are completed by the end of program
• Knowledge of 21st Century skills
• Demonstrated effectiveness working with low-income, first generation college youth of color in diverse fields
• Desire to teach with technology and improve technological skills as needed
• Willingness to be self-reflective and reflexive about your individual teaching philosophy and practice

• Excellent management skills; openness to various and/or new pedagogical and facilitation approaches

• Flexibility in your availability for training dates and event dates
• Virtual learning experience a plus

Application Information:

Apply for this position below and ensure you can make the training and program dates (see table in above section of Job Description). If applying to multiple sites, please rank your site preference in the application. 

The application includes a place to upload your resume and cover letter and to provide written responses to specific prompts. This position will close when filled.

If you have been selected for this position by your Program Director (PD), an application is required (you do not need to submit a cover letter) and your PD will send you the link to apply Please also submit the recommitment form provided by your PD, and SMASH will send you your updated offer letter.

Compensation:

This is a non-exempt position. The hourly compensation for this position is estimated to be $30.00. Should the employee miss any hours or days of work, the daily and therefore total compensation will be adjusted accordingly. If your assignment ends earlier than we anticipate for any reason, your compensation may also be reduced accordingly. Please note, pay will be variable per pay period based on part-time and full-time phases of the program. These policies are subject to variation based on specific circumstances.

Statement of Non-Discrimination:

In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status.  Above and beyond discrimination/harassment based on “protected categories,” SMASH also strives to prevent other subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (i.e., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at SMASH.

We value a diverse workforce: people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.