Posting Details
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Position Information
Posting Number: 20255798V Position Title: Academic Mentor Posting Type: Student Hours: 5 to 10 hours per week Eligibility: Work study preferred but open to all students Semester: 2025-2026 Academic Year: 2025-2026 Location: Off-Campus Detailed Work Schedule: This is a part-time hourly position approximately 5-10 hours per week. December 2025 - June 2026.
Number of positions: 5 Department: 205-Mechanical Engineering Contact Name: Natalie MacNamara Contact Phone: Extension 610 519-7253
Position Summary
Villanova 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 K-12 teachers, engineering students, and AI professionals to mentor elementary students grades 1-6 as they explore how AI can be used to solve real-world challenges.
The club will run from January 2026 - June 2026, meeting two to three afternoons per week after school in Lansdale, PA.
Machine Learning Mentors will help design and lead engaging age-appropriate activities introducing core AI and computational-thinking concepts. Working alongside K-12 teachers and the projects 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 5-10 hours per week, January 2026 - June 2026. Looking to hire up to 5 individuals.
Responsibilities
• Attend planning meetings with faculty lead and K-12 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
• 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 drivers license to commute to Lansdale, PA. • Availability for afterschool hours typically 300-600 p.m., 2 to 3 days per week.
Preferred Qualifications
• Prior experience mentoring or teaching youth, tutoring, outreach camps, etc. • 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:
• Your experience with AI or machine learning. • Why you are interested in community-engaged AI education. • Your availability for the projects 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: 11:59 pm ET Open Until Filled: No Posting Specific Questions:
Are you currently a registered Villanova student? Yes No Are you eligible for work study? Yes No I dont know
What is your availability, days and times? Open Ended Question Optional
Applicant Documents
Required Documents:
• Cover Letter • Letter of Interest • Optional Documents • Other Document