The Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation, which operates the Children's Science Center Lab at the Fair Oaks Mall, has created an internship program that focuses on developing youth who will become the region's future workforce in the long-term and contribute to educating the community now. Since 2015, the Children's Science Center's Youth Development Inititative has engaged over 200 high school and college-aged youth as interns in the Lab and community outreach programs.

The STEM Camp Internship Program supports the Children's Science Center Lab with our in-person summer camps. Interns will report to the Camp Manager. Interns are required to commit to 4 consecutive weeks of camp. Interns will:

• Lead camp games and activites
• Assist in activity set up and preparation
• Practice classroom behavioral management
• Ensure student safety
• Have the opportunity to create their own hands-on STEM activities for students

COVID-19 NOTICE: The Children's Science Center Lab is planning to run in-person camps on weekdays only, with updated cleaning procedures, increased ventilation, and mask-wearing policies. While the Children's Science Center Lab staff will be vaccinated, campers may not be. STEM Camp Interns must be fully vaccinated by the orientation day to be eligible to participate in the internship program. As CDC guidelines change, we will update our procedures, accordingly, including cancelling camps if necessary. 

Qualifications:

• Prior experience volunteering with the Children's Science Center Lab preferred
• Demonstrated interest in elementary education, STEM subjects, and/or informal education
• Learn and be able to communicate the mission and vision of the Children's Science Center Lab
• Comfortable interacting with children in person
• Experience working closely with school-aged children
• Ability to maintain safe and positive classroom environment
• Energetic and postitive team player
• Excellent communication skills

All applicants must:

1. Be 16 years or older by orientation date
2. Be able to provide their own transportation
3. Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by orientation date
4. Complete a minimum of 4 consecutive weeks of camp

This internship is unpaid. Contact hours can be used to meet volunteer hour requirement for school and/or extracurricular involvement.

 

 

About the Summer STEM Camps:

Camp descriptions can be found here: STEM Summer Camps. Camps run from June 19 - through August 18, 2023 for children in rising 1st - 5th grades. The camp day is Monday - Friday from 9:00am - 3:00pm. The intern shift is from 8:00am - 4:00pm to assist with daily set-up, clean-up, and preparation of activities.

Orientation and Training:

Orientation will take place on Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Orientation will be held in-person and is mandatory. Training will take place on Tuesday, June 6, 2023 and Thursday, June 8, 2023 from 7:30pm-8:30pm.Training will be held virtually and you will be required to attend 1 training date.

To Apply:

Applications are due by 5:00 pm on March 27. Before you begin your application, please ensure you are available for 4 consecutive weeks between June 19, 2023 through August 18, 2023 in order to successfully complete the internship. Additionally, have the following items ready:

• Resume 
• Cover Letter (your Cover Letter should include "why you are interested in the position" and "why you are a qualified candidate")

You will not be able to submit an application without uploading each of the above items. Cover Letter and Resume must be submitted as pdf files. 

 

**July 3 through July 7 is Independence Day Week. This week will consist of 4 single day camps. Interns will have off Tuesday July 4, in observance of Independence Day, but will be required to be present for the days of camp. The schedule is as follows:

• Monday July 3: Slime Lab
• Tuesday July 4: No Camp
• Wednesday July 5: Gross Science Lab
• Thursday July 6: Hack the Lab
• Friday July 7: Art Lab

The following questions are optional and are used for collection purposes only. They will not be used in the decision making process.