Academy - Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator; Northeastern

2026 SMASH Academy - Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator (Northeastern)

Join to apply for the 2026 SMASH Academy - Design Thinking Workshop Facilitator (Northeastern) role at 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 and enrich communities with well‑prepared, competitive leaders.

This is a pivotal time for SMASH as we build on the success of our programs. Working at SMASH is about rapid growth, grit, personal commitment, accountability, and the 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 502(c)(3) not‑for‑profit organization operating under the Kapor Center umbrella.

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. Game Design Workshop Facilitators co‑facilitate with one other facilitator, guiding a group of around 25 scholars through project‑based learning.

The facilitator will lead scholars through an engaging, hands‑on exploration of game design and development, teaching key concepts in gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and game aesthetics while creating their own playable games. Facilitators will support scholars in both whole‑group and small‑group settings, fostering a collaborative learning environment centered on the pedagogy of Play, Create, Share, and Reflect.

The ideal facilitator will empower scholars to take ownership of their learning journey, encouraging discovery and problem‑solving rather than providing direct answers. In addition to supporting technical skill development, facilitators will help scholars build project management abilities, strengthen creative agency, and develop collaborative skills through activities like play testing and peer feedback.

• Create an inclusive, engaging learning environment where scholars feel comfortable experimenting and taking creative risks
• Balance constructive feedback with positive encouragement
• Guide scholars through the complete game development process, from initial concept to finished product
• Support scholars in developing game design documents and pitch presentations
• Foster discussions about inclusivity and diversity in game design
• Implement effective classroom management strategies while maintaining a fun, collaborative atmosphere

Facilitators do not need to be game designers to teach the workshop. Training, detailed session guides, and game design resources are available to support facilitators and learners. The most important qualities are a passion for supporting young learners, curiosity about game design, and willingness to problem‑solve alongside scholars.

Summer learning culminates 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 must embrace flexibility, adaptability, and a solution‑oriented mindset.

As this role has a virtual component, staff must provide their own personal computer (desktop or laptop) with webcam, speaker, microphone for video conferencing (Zoom, Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex), reliable Internet (≥25 Mbps), and quiet workspace. If you cannot provide your own equipment, speak with your Program Director.

• Attend Training (see dates below)
• Adhere to the structure of the curriculum provided by SMASH
• Facilitate Game Design Workshop Sessions
• 1.5‑hour sessions 5 days/week
• Alternate between whole…