Description

Villanova University

Academic Mentor

Posting Details

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Position Information Posting Number:20255798VPosition Title:Academic MentorPosting TypeStudentHours/week:5 to 10 hoursEligibility:Work study preferred but open to all studentsSemester2025-2026 Academic YearLocation Off-CampusDetailed Work ScheduleThis is a part-time, hourly position (approximately 510 hours per week, December 2025 June 2026).Number of positions:5Department:205-Mechanical EngineeringContact Name:Natalie MacNamaraContact Phone/Extension:(610) 519-7253 Position Summary Information Job Description Summary:Project OverviewVillanova University, in collaboration with the North Penn School District, is launching an Afterschool Artificial Intelligence (AI) Club at local elementary schools as part of an NSF-supported outreach initiative. The program will bring together K12 teachers, engineering students, and AI professionals to mentor elementary students (grades 16) as they explore how AI can be used to solve real-world challenges.
The club will run December 2025 June 2026, meeting two to three afternoons per week after school in Lansdale, PA.

Position SummaryVillanova University, in collaboration with the North Penn School District, is launching an Afterschool Artificial Intelligence (AI) Club at local elementary schools as part of an NSF-supported outreach initiative. The program will bring together K12 teachers, engineering students, and AI professionals to mentor elementary students (grades 16) as they explore how AI can be used to solve real-world challenges.

The club will run January 2026 June 2026, meeting two to three afternoons per week after school in Lansdale, PA.AI/Machine Learning Mentors will help design and lead engaging, age-appropriate activities introducing core AI and computational-thinking concepts. Working alongside K12 teachers and the project's faculty lead, mentors will guide student teams in developing creative AI-enabled projects for submission to the Presidential AI Challenge. This is an excellent opportunity to apply technical knowledge in a community context, build mentoring and communication skills, and contribute to socially relevant engineering education.This is a part-time, hourly position (approximately 510 hours per week, January 2026 June 2026). Looking to hire up to 5 individuals.
Responsibilities

• Attend planning meetings with faculty lead and K12 teachers.
• Assist in developing short, hands-on AI learning modules.
• Co-mentor small student teams during afterschool sessions (3× per week).
• Provide basic technical guidance in AI tools, data handling, and ethical use.
• Support field trips and showcase events as needed.
• Maintain clear communication with the PI and school staff.

Requirements:Required Qualifications:

Formal Education

• Enrolled Villanova Student (undergraduate junior / senior or graduate student)
• Completed at least one formal course in Machine Learning or Artificial Intelligence (or a related course). Alternatively, demonstrated knowledge in the topic.

Work Skills (e.g., written and verbal communication skills)

• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)

• Demonstrated proficiency in coding, robotics, and engineering design (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Arduino, C++ or similar).

Other:

• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license to commute to Lansdale, PA
• Availability for afterschool hours (typically 3:006:00 p.m.) 2 to 3 days per week

Preferred Qualifications:

Work Experience

• Prior experience mentoring or teaching youth (tutoring, outreach, camps, etc.).

Equipment Knowledge

• Familiarity with educational robotics or visual programming tools (e.g., Scratch, Sphero, LEGO Mindstorms).

Other

• Interest in educational technology, community engagement, or STEM outreach.

Additional Information:Special Message to Applicants:Please submit your application at http://jobs.villanova.edu

• A brief cover letter (1 page) describing:
  1. Your experience with AI or machine learning,
  2. Why you are interested in community-engaged AI education, and
  3. Your availability for the project's proposed duration.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.Physical Demands Summary:Wage Rate:$13 per hour for both undergraduate and graduate students Posting Detail Information Closing Date (11:59pm ET):Open Until FilledNo

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Are you currently a registered Villanova student?
   • Yes
   • No
2. Are you eligible for work study?
   • Yes
   • No
   • I don't know
3. * What is your availability? (days and times)

   (Open Ended Question)

Optional Applicant Documents:

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter / Letter of Interest

Optional Documents

1. Other Document

PI281158152