Academy - Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator; Berkeley

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.

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 dates below). 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 workspace for virtual programming. If you cannot provide your own equipment, please speak with your Program Director.

• 6.27.2026 (National, Virtual)
• 6.29.2026 - 7.2.2026 (Virtual)
• 7.10.2026 (Site‑specific, In‑Person)
• 7.13.2026 - 7.24.2026 (Site‑specific, In‑Person)
• 7.30.2026 (Virtual Close Out)
• 7.31.2026 (National Exhibition Support – only if team advances)

• Attend Training (see dates above)
• Adhere to the structure of curriculum provided by SMASH
• Facilitate Design Thinking Workshop Sessions
  • 2.5‑hr 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 ensure outcomes are met for the day and that the group is on track relative to larger outcomes and goals for the summer
  • Continuously assess scholar learning, provide feedback, and pivot as needed
  • Communicate and reflect with co‑facilitators to ensure activities are aligned and ensure outcomes are met
  • Log student achievement data on a weekly basis
• Attend Weekly Staff Meetings (1 hr/week)
• Attend Staff Closeout
• Ensure Completion of Deliverables (e.g. log pre + post assessment scores, attendance, staff surveys, final inventory, etc.)

• Collaboration:
  
  Exceptional listening, communication, and presentation…