Needs From: Whitworth Serves

Description

Spark Central is your connection to creative destinations of all kinds. We are a community gathering place and creative learning center where people of all ages can access our high-speed Internet (1,000 Mbps), technology, rich and imaginative programming, and a curated book and media collection. Building on our neighborhood's rail yard roots, Spark Central is at the junction between where people are, and where they want to go.

One of the key ways we foster creativity and future success is by infusing writing, reading, and communication skills into our dynamic menu of programs for adults, teens, and kids. We believe these skills are the foundation of future success in the Information Age, where the jobs of tomorrow haven’t been created yet. From learning to write code to learning to write a story, we offer community members a one-way ticket to growth and opportunity.

Spark Central is looking for a Technology Intern to support all areas of our technology, including maintenance of our technology resources, designing tech-related programming, providing “office hours” for tech-related learning, and increasing our capacity for tech education for the community.

This position is unpaid or for college credit only. Applicants seeking college credit are responsible for submitting necessary information fulfillment requirements to Spark Central.

 

COMMITMENT

Please note that we’re flexible and willing to work around an existing commitment.

Summer: Late June, July, and August; 10-15 hours a week as available

Academic year: One or more semesters; 10-15 hours a week as available

 

DESCRIPTION

The Technology Intern is someone who is has a passion for technology and creativity. They are eager to share their love of coding, technology, and robotics with Spark Central patrons and are comfortable working with a variety of ages. Experience with robotics, coding, and/or high tech is a plus.

Interns also complete a project of passion during their internship that benefits Spark Central’s patrons. This could include designing a new program, leading a project, or developing a system to help our technology and programs run more smoothly.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Tech Interns will work with the Volunteer Associate and other IT Volunteers to provide “office hours” for the community where they share their technology expertise and educate patrons on how to use the technology accessible at Spark Central. These interns will also design systems and guides to make our technology more accessible to the public and may design tech-based programming for various age groups. Part of each intern’s schedule will be tailored to your specific talents and area of study.

 

DESIRED QUALITIES

The ideal Technology Intern is someone who relates well to youth as well as adults and is inspired by helping them find the best ways to learn. We seek someone who takes great joy in teaching others, loses track of time in this pursuit, has a nuanced, intelligent sense of humor, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment without losing their cool.

Other qualities include:

Outgoing individual who has experience working with people of diverse cultures and a variety of ages Responsible self-starter; task and detail-oriented Experience with robotics, coding, and/or other technology Comfort with both Mac and PC interfaces Strong verbal and written communication skills Above-average—bordering on exceptional—organizational skills Has patience, stamina, and flexibility to work in a busy, active environment with interruptions Reliable—good at watching the time

 

PERKS

As an intern at Spark Central, you’ll connect with a wide variety of talented people in our community, learn new skills, and shape our patrons’ user experience. Internships are also a fabulous way to get experience in the field. We also offer interns:

Free entrance to adult workshops under $40 during your internship A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of you internship

 

HOW TO APPLY

Please email a resumé and letter of interest to info@sparkwestcentral.org. In your letter, tell us why you are interested in the Technology Internship and what you believe you will bring to Spark Central.

 

COMMITMENT

Please note that we’re flexible and willing to work around an existing commitment.

Summer: Late June, July, and August; 10-15 hours a week as available

Academic year: One or more semesters; 10-15 hours a week as available

 

DESCRIPTION

The Marketing Intern is someone who is has a passion for community, designing experiences for others, and event planning. They love meeting new people, building community connections, and enjoy being out and about in the community. They are comfortable working with a variety of ages and are action-oriented.

Interns also complete a project of passion during their internship that benefits Spark Central and its patrons. This could include developing an outreach/marketing project, taking a lead role in an existing project, or designing a new system based on marketing.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Marketing Intern will work with the Spark Central Creative Team to plan and execute marketing campaigns, development-related events, publicity for our programs and space, and more. The Marketing Intern to support our outreach and marketing to the West Central neighborhood and the broader Spokane community, including networking, neighborhood engagement, literature distribution, social media, pop-up neighborhood programs, and more. Part of each intern’s schedule will be tailored to your specific talents and area of study. 

 

DESIRED QUALITIES

The ideal Marketing Intern is someone who is not afraid to jump into the fray and make stuff happen. They relate well to youth as well as adults and are inspired by helping them find the best ways to learn. We seek someone who takes great joy in teaching others, loses track of time in this pursuit, has a nuanced, intelligent sense of humor, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment without losing their cool. This person understands the importance of detail and appreciates the use of the Oxford comma.

Other qualities include:

Outgoing individual who has experience working with people of diverse cultures and a variety of ages Responsible self-starter; task and detail-oriented Experience with robotics, coding, and/or other technology Comfort with both Mac and PC interfaces Strong verbal and written communication skills Above-average—bordering on exceptional—organizational skills Has patience, stamina, and flexibility to work in a busy, active environment with interruptions Reliable—good at watching the time

 

PERKS

As an intern at Spark Central, you’ll connect with a wide variety of talented people in our community, learn new skills, and have a hand in pulling off our dynamic programs. Internships are also a fabulous way to get experience in the field. We also offer interns:

Free entrance to adult workshops under $40 during your internship A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of you internship

 

HOW TO APPLY

Please email a resumé and letter of interest to kate@sparkwestcentral.org. In your letter, tell us why you are interested in the Marketing Internship and what you believe you will bring to Spark Central.

Description

Spark Central is your connection to creative destinations of all kinds. We are a community gathering place and creative learning center where people of all ages can access our high-speed Internet (1,000 Mbps), technology, rich and imaginative programming, and a curated book and media collection. Building on our neighborhood's rail yard roots, Spark Central is at the junction between where people are, and where they want to go.

Program Volunteers

Program volunteers get to dive right into the fun by helping set up and run our many dynamic programs. Youth playshops and community events are the two programs types that require program volunteers. If you’re interested in becoming a Program Volunteer, let us know and Erika Simonds will contact you about how you’d like to volunteer.

 

TYPES OF PROGRAMS

Playshops

1-4 sessions of (usually) two hours that involve imagination or creativity. Each student walks away with something they created, even digitally. Students (and volunteers) attend all sessions. Each playshop requires 3-6 volunteers. Volunteers guide activities, keep students engaged and on-task, act as typists, scribes, or small group leaders, and give feedback or revision coaching to students.

Playshop volunteers are expected to arrive 30 minutes early and plan to stay 15 minutes afterward to debrief and help clean up.  Please let Erika (programs@sparkwestcentral.org) know as soon as possible if your plans change so we can find a sub.

Community Events

Usually evenings (Tuesday and Thursdays, sometimes Fridays) Requires 2-4 volunteers Target various age groups Volunteers set up chairs or activities, run activities, pour drinks (adult events), answer questions, act as hosts and ambassadors of Spark Central, clean up afterwards, vacuum, and put chairs away.

Community event volunteers are expected to arrive an hour early and plan to stay 15 minutes afterward to help clean up.  Please let Erika (programs@sparkwestcentral.org) know as soon as possible if your plans change so we can find a sub.

REQUIREMENTS:

Must have a positive, can-do attitude, be reliable and punctual, and trustworthy. Must also be welcoming to people of all backgrounds, lifestyles, and ages. Must have basic computer skills (Mac or PC) and basic organizational skills. Must be willing to take on complex tasks as well as simple ones like taking out the trash. Must pass a background check.

Spark Center is a community creativity center with open hours, a lending library, technology access, and many great programs for all ages. Volunteers run our front desk and help patrons check out materials, access the web, use technology, and get help with what they need. They also keep our center tidy, and can volunteer between 2.5 and 12 hours per week, depending on what the volunteer wants. Volunteering at Spark is a great way to connect with the community!

HOURS POSSIBLE:  2.5 hours a week (or more), during our open hours of M-F from 10a-6p and Saturday 12p-5p.

REQUIREMENTS:  

Must have a positive, can-do attitude, be reliable and punctual, and trustworthy. Must pass a background check. Must also be welcoming to people of all backgrounds, lifestyles, and ages. Must have basic computer skills, such as typing, web navigation, etc. Must be reliable, punctual, and great with people.