The Virginia Partnership for Out-of-School Time (VPOST) is excited to officially open our recruitment for our second cohort of STEM Youth Ambassadors! Virginia youth ages 13-18 are encouraged to apply to represent teens across the Commonwealth who love participating in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) activities during afterschool.
About VPOST
VPOST is an organization that supports afterschool and summer learning programs all over Virginia. We do that by training afterschool educators and advocating for afterschool programs by sharing with decision-makers like top-level education leaders, and policymakers because they are so important in the lives of children and families.
Why Serve As a Youth STEM Ambassador?
Youth that are coming of age now are affected by technology and need STEM skills more than any other previous generation. Investing in afterschool and summer STEM learning programs will help young people explore their interests, build skills, and prepare for careers in growing fields like healthcare, tech, and engineering.
There is no one better than youth themselves to tell today’s decision-makers about the importance and impact of investing in STEM. Be a voice for your generation and make your voice heard!
Who Should Serve as a STEM Youth Ambassador?
Any youth ages 13-18 that live in Virginia and participate in a STEM program afterschool! You don’t need to take high-level classes or make straight A’s. We just want to hear from youth that have had positive experiences in STEM programs afterschool and that are willing to share that story. We will help you learn how to talk to policymakers about your experiences.
What are the Responsibilites of Being a STEM Youth Ambassador?
Ambassadors will participate in 1 monthly session, virtually, (times to be determined) between June and November 2023 and January-February 2024 to learn about different ways to share their stories to promote more support for Afterschool STEM programs. The program will follow a cycle of the Virginia General Assembly season from election campaigns in the summer, through elections and into the start of the Virginia General Assembly session. The STEM Youth Ambassador program leads up to an advocacy day at the Virginia General Assembly in Richmond, VA in early 2024. Here Ambassadors will meet representatives and their staff to share their STEM stories. This is a great opportunity to bring your love of STEM to change-making!
Download the Info Flyer
Is There Any Reward for your Time?
Yes! All participants that successfully complete the program will receive a $100 pre-paid gift card for their time participating in the prep sessions.
Applications are due May 30, 2022!
Questions? Contact Christine Jones Monaccio at christine.jones-monaccio@v-post.org
