FAO Schwarz Fellowship - The Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute (TFI), the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, strives to be the world leader in promoting science and technology education and literacy through inspiring and engaging experiences that cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and an understanding of the crucial role science plays in our lives.

At TFI, we provide an environment that is as nurturing as it is dynamic. Our team-oriented approach allows for ample learning and career growth opportunities. We think you will find TFI offers the ideal atmosphere in which to best use your skills and talents. We are eager for your input, ideas, and inspiration.

Overview

The Fellow will work with high school students in TFI’s STEM Scholars program and facilitate STEM activities for youth and family audiences at community events for their direct service work. In addition, as part of their strategic project work, the Fellow will assist TFI’s Youth Programs team to build, activate, and sustain a STEM Scholars Alumni Council.

Direct Service

The FAO Schwarz Fellow will support student programming for high school students in The Franklin Institute's STEM Scholars program and provide mentorship in communication and skills development to prepare students for internships, college, and careers.

The Fellow will also facilitate STEM activities for youth and family audiences at community events, focusing on hands-on experimentation that encourages asking questions, scientific thinking, making connections, and cultivating dialogue.

• Build STEM Scholars cohort relationships among students through mentorship and program support, alongside the Youth Programs team: support ongoing delivery of bi-weekly PACTS and weekly STEM Scholars workshops, guide participation in a collaborative youth challenge project, spend consistent time with students to build strong personal rapport, and lead community building activities for each cohort.
• Work with STEM Scholars and Ambassadors on developing effective communication skills, both for public outreach and professional presentations: assist in leading new Ambassador trainings focused on building workforce development skills, reinforced through practice in weekly meetings.
• Present hands-on, interactive STEM activities for youth and families at community outreach events.
• Facilitate summer programming around science research design and technical skills for STEM Scholars, leading discussions and lessons on building scientific research skills, and reviewing and providing feedback on ongoing student research projects (Year 2).

Strategic Project

Based on feedback from recent STEM Scholars program alumni, the Fellow will assist the Institute's Youth Programs team to build, activate, and sustain a STEM Scholars Alumni Council.

The Fellow will also be responsible for strategic components of a youth-focused network project and for developing a sustainable STEM activity toolkit for future training and use at Franklin Institute community events.

• Build and activate a STEM Scholars Alumni Council: research best practices for alumni engagement within out-of-school time programs (Year 1); determine methods for member selection, membership expectations, and select Council members; determine focus areas through discussions with Council members; develop and deliver at least one alumni engagement or professional development opportunity; and implement a robust alumni database and communication plan, including collecting alumni stories for student connections, public communications, and donor stewardship.
• Develop communications and training assets, participate in professional development, and work with project evaluators to provide feedback on a museum network project (Year 1).
• Develop a community outreach toolkit in collaboration with Science & Education team members, with STEM activities informed by Direct Service experience and aligned to the needs, goals, and focus of community partners (Year 2).

Position Requirements

• Applicants must be college seniors at accredited four-year colleges or universities at the time of application
• Eligible to work in the United States for the duration of the two-year Fellowship.

Status

Full-time (temporary 2-year assignment), 37.5 hours per week, Tuesday – Saturday, with some evening hours during the Academic Year (September-May/June), and Monday-Friday during Summer (July, August). 

Salary

• $50,000 in year one (includes $2,000 start of Fellowship bonus)
• $55,000 in year two (includes $3,000 end of Fellowship bonus)

Benefits Information

The Franklin Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision, 401K, life insurance, and disability coverage. We also offer generous Paid Time Off, paid holidays, and numerous wellness program benefits.

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications.  We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role.  If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

The Franklin Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability or protected veteran status.