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

We're currently looking for volunteers for this program!

Volunteer positions are available at Country Hills Library, Crowfoot Library and Saddletowne Library. If you're interested in volunteering, please complete an application and we will contact you as soon as possible.