SMASH Academy - Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator; Morehouse

2026 SMASH Academy - Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator (Morehouse)

About SMASH

At SMASH, we aim to build a strong STEM workforce through academic learning and experiential engagement for high school and college students. We empower dedicated students in STEM fields through intensive education, rigorous coursework, and access to resources, aiming to cultivate success in college and careers. Our vision is to create a STEM ecosystem where every student can thrive in the global economy.

By providing opportunities, we seek to enrich our communities and workplaces with well-prepared, competitive leaders.

This is a pivotal time for SMASH as SMASH builds on the success of our programs. Working at SMASH is about rapid growth, grit, personal commitment, accountability, and courage to challenge the status quo. If you have what it takes to change the STEM landscape, we want to hear from you.

SMASH is a 501(c)(3) not‑for‑profit organization operating under the umbrella of the Kapor Center family of organizations.

Position Description

Reporting to the Program Director, the Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator will play an integral role in delivering and sustaining the transformative learning experience that SMASH Scholars need to pursue, persist, and succeed in STEM. Design Thinking Workshop Facilitators will co‑facilitate with two other facilitators, guiding a group of around 35‑45 scholars through project‑based learning.

The Design Thinking Workshop is a scholar‑centered course that allows scholars to use technology to address a social issue of their choice. Scholars will work in various configurations including whole‑group, small group, and individually. In addition to facilitating scholars’ exploration of technical skills, facilitators will support scholars with project management, collaboration and other workforce readiness traits. Strong Design Thinking Workshop Facilitators will empower scholars to take ownership of their learning and facilitate through inquiry rather than providing answers for scholars.

This is a shift from the traditional model of education and requires giving scholars space to lead, and stepping in to guide in the right direction when necessary.

Summer learning will culminate in a final project presentation and the chance to win a national competition consisting of competitors from all regions.

This is a 3‑week assignment, with an additional commitment of training prior to launch, and a virtual close‑out after SMASH Academy (see chart below for dates). Facilitators will be working with scholars both in person and virtually and will need to embrace and model flexibility, adaptability, and a solution‑oriented mindset.

As this role has a virtual component, we expect staff to provide the following – their own personal computer (desktop or laptop) that has a working webcam, speaker and microphone for video conferencing capabilities (i.e. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex); reliable Internet connection (at least 25 Mbps download speed); and quiet work space for virtual programming. If you cannot provide your own equipment, please speak with your Program Director.

You must be available for all training and program dates.

Onboarding

5.30.2026 (National, Virtual)

Staff Training

6.1.2026 - 6.5.2026 (Virtual)

6.12.2026 (Site‑specific, In‑Person)

6.15.2026 - 7.2.2026 (Site‑specific, In‑Person)

Virtual Close Out

7.2.2026

National Competition Support (Only if team advances)

7.31.2026

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to those listed below.

Key Responsibilities:

• Attend Training (see dates above)
• Adhere to the structure of curriculum provided by SMASH
• Facilitate Design Thinking Workshop Sessions
• 3 hrs sessions 5 days/week
• Alternate between whole group, small group, and individual facilitation
• Facilitate learning through inquiry
• Adequately prep for sessions by reviewing material
• Take attendance and communicate absences with Program Director and/or Program Coordinator
• Ensure technical logistics are in order in virtual sessions during last week of program
• Communicate with co‑facilitators to ensure smooth lesson delivery
• Guide conversation between participants, ensuring all voices are heard
• Manage the space to…