Teen Tech Lab Guide

What will you do?

Volunteers help in a creative technology space at Central Library. Volunteers share their own expertise through one-on-one or small group mentoring for teens (ages 13-17).

This space supports connected, social learning and is guided by the HOMAGO model (Hanging Out, Messing Around, and Geeking Out) developed by Dr. Mizuko Ito. An evidence-based approach incorporates research on teen development and learning, and best practices developed by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and its partners.

The technology in the room — ranging from sewing machines to robots — is there to support teens' innate creativity and can be used in many ways. The volunteer role is to inspire and engage, and to give teens a positive adult role model — someone who cares about them and what they're interested in and is always willing to lend a hand. The volunteer’s own creative or technology skills are a foundation to build from, but they will find themselves doing a wide variety of activities in this role.

Program Length: Three-hour shift maximum

What’s in it for you?

• Develop interpersonal, leadership, problem-solving, communication, and time management skills
• Gain experience in facilitation
• Meet new people
• Have fun and contribute to your community

Volunteer Qualifications

• Comfortable and enthusiastic about working with teens
• Comfortable working in a busy, unstructured environment
• Curiosity and flexibility are key traits — volunteers don’t have to know everything, but willing to figure it out with teens
• Creativity or technology skills
• Able to work independently and with a small team of peers
• Fluent in English
• Friendly personality
• Enjoys learning new things and sharing their knowledge

Volunteer Responsibilities

• Attend an orientation and training session
• Inspire and engage teens in the Teen Tech Lab space
• Demonstrate and encourage teens using the equipment and materials available in the space using your own creative or technology skills as a foundation
• Bring your own project to work on during slower times
• Be a positive adult role model
• Interact with stakeholders in a friendly and respectful manner
• Abide by the Volunteer Standards of Conduct

Thanks for your interest.

All volunteer positions for this program are currently filled. Please complete an application and we will contact you when a position becomes available.