Innovation and invention are cornerstones of American society, but not all young people have role models to open doors in the engineering field. WGBH and the Lemelson Foundation are meeting this need through the creation of a new program, Mentors for Young Inventors (working title). Starting this fall in the Greater Boston area, the program will place young engineers and engineering students in after-school programs once a week. Working with a group of kids (ages 10-11), the mentors will use a stepped-out curriculum that inspires youth to explore invention.
Goals of the Program
- Expose disadvantaged youth to the design process through fun, hands-on activities
- Build meaningful relationships between mentors and youth
- Inspire kids to consider engineering as a potential career
Are You a Working Engineer or College Engineering Student?
WGBH is currently recruiting engineers and engineering students to serve as mentors for children. By spending just a few hours of time each week, you can expose a roomful of children to the rewards of innovation and exploration.
As mentors you will:
- Have fun working with kids to unleash their creative abilities
- Strengthen your leadership skills
- Co-lead the program with another mentor
- Receive training and a stepped-out curriculum
- Get a $500 stipend for program supplies
- Enjoy the support of program staff, fellow mentors, and after-school leaders
- Raise the community service profile of your company or institution
In addition to having the excitement to mentor kids, mentors will be asked to:
- Commit to volunteering for 2-hours per week (set-up and break-down time included) during the 2009-2010 school year (20 weeks total)
- Attend a fall and spring training
- Ability to get to and from after-school site
- Collect necessary materials for weekly activities using the stipend
- Participate in 2 conference calls andtake part in online communications
- Participate in program evaluation conducted by Veridian Insight
- Gain clearance on CORI check
Interested?To become a mentor and learn more, please respond by June 1, 2009.
Contact: Liza Silverman
Outreach Production Coordinator
WGBH Phone: (617) 300-3642
Email: liza_silverman@wgbh.org
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