Volunteer Mentor - HVC 2077

As a Volunteer Mentor for young Women, your primary role is to provide personalised guidance and support to young women interested in pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. You will offer advice, share experiences, and assist them in navigating their career paths into STEM.

As a mentor in our 12-week #BeMedigitalinclusion program, you'll directly guide young women on their STEM journeys through small group mentorship. These online sessions (via Google Meets, Microsoft Teams or Zoom) will provide academic support, career guidance, and goal setting assistance, all within a supportive small group environment.

You'll be a positive role model, inspiring confidence, resilience, and a passion for STEM as you empower them to develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in STEM careers. Collaboration with program coordinators, teachers, other mentors, and the mentees themselves is key to ensuring an enriching experience.

Training and resources are provided.

Duties:

Group Mentoring Sessions

● Lead group mentoring sessions for students interested in STEM disciplines.

● Create a safe and inclusive space for mentees to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations.

● Facilitate discussions on various STEM and required topics, encouraging active participation and collaboration among mentees.

 Academic and Career Goal Setting

 ● Assist mentees in setting realistic and achievable academic and career goals within the STEM field.

● Provide guidance on course selection, extracurricular activities, internships, and other opportunities to support their goals.

● Help mentees develop action plans and strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve their objectives.

 Knowledge Enrichment Sessions

● Curate and deliver engaging STEM-related knowledge enrichment sessions, drawing from your expertise and experiences.

● Share insights, resources, and practical skills to inspire and empower mentees to pursue their interests in STEM.

● Incorporate hands-on activities, experiments, or demonstrations to enhance learning and spark curiosity among mentees. 

Fostering a Supportive Environment 

● Foster a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.

● Encourage mentees from underrepresented groups to pursue STEM careers and advocate for diversity initiatives.

● Address any issues or concerns related to bias, discrimination, or lack of representation, creating a welcoming and respectful atmosphere for all mentees.

Program Alignment: 

● Strong understanding of Academy Achievers' mission and goals, particularly related to the #BeMeDigitalInclusion program. 

What skills do I need?

● GCSE/Level 2 equivalent in Maths and English

● Level 3 NVQ in STEM related field (desirable)

● Previous experience in volunteer mentoring, coaching, and tutoring, preferably in STEM.

● Strong knowledge of STEM subjects and the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences.

● Familiarity with STEM education initiatives and programs.

● Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of students.

● Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education and careers.

● Proficient in using relevant software and digital tools (Google Workspace, Slack, Asana, Google Meets and Microsoft Teams) for data management and communication.

● Availability to dedicate a flexible number of hours per week/month to volunteer activities.

● Positive Role Model: A professional demeanour, strong work ethic, and a passion for inspiring young women in STEM fields.

● Enhanced DBS checked - paper copy of certificate and DBS Update service.

 

Competencies

 

● Academic advising

● Conflict management

● Collaboration and Working on your own initiative

● Adaptability and Empathy

● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

● Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.

● Decision Making and Problem solving

 

Physical Requirements & Conditions

 

● Ability to stand, sit, and move around for extended periods during events or workshops.

● Capacity to lift and carry equipment or materials as needed for STEM activities.

● Flexibility to work indoors and outdoors, potentially in varying weather conditions, depending on event locations.

 Personal Attributes:

You must act with a high degree of integrity and your conduct should always be exemplary when interacting with children and young people, staff, and external stakeholders. You are expected to display motivation, commitment and conscientiousness. You will demonstrate respect for equal opportunities and diversity. You must have the ability to show respect for the opinions and feelings of colleagues, students and group leaders regardless of their race, religion, background, nationality, ethnicity, age, appearance, gender or sexual orientation.

 

Location

This opportunity can be carried out whilst working from home.