WVU STEM Ambassador - Jackson's Mill

West Virginia University

41d • $3,000 - $4,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Extension Division of Land Grant Engagement at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Temporary WVU STEM ambassador. WVU STEM Ambassadors act as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) instructors and camp/cabin counselors during 4-H summer camps and events in West Virginia. Given training and materials, ambassadors will deliver pre-arranged STEM curricula to youth at 4-H Camps and events across the state of West Virginia during the time frame of May 17, 2026, to August 10, 2026. Other assignments may include county 4-H day camps, summer youth program sites, state 4-H camps located at Jackson’s Mill, and the West Virginia State Fair located in Lewisburg, WV in August as well as assembly and distribution of STEM kits and materials. Room and board is provided while on assignment at camps, but ambassadors must be able to provide their own transportation to locations across West Virginia. Ambassadors will have the opportunity to work at least 25 days between May 17, 2026, and August 10, 2026, with additional opportunities possible based on need and availability (on average, ambassadors work 30 days throughout the summer).
What You'll Do
Working under the direction of the supervising Extension Faculty member, the STEM Ambassador will:
Lead organized STEM educational classes and activities at 4-H summer camps, including (but not limited to):
Deliver STEM curriculum courses
Offer STEM activities throughout the day
Assist Camp Director and camp staff with other camp duties
Camper Counseling and/or youth supervision duties (in camp/cabin settings)
Other activities and classes within the instructor’s training and expertise
Provide information about their major, their college, and WVU to youth participants
Assemble STEM materials and kits as needed
Participate in STEM Ambassador Training May 17-May 23, 2026. This is a mandatory training held at WVU Jackson’s Mill.
Participate in the STEM Ambassador End of Summer Meeting on Wednesday, Aug 5, 2026. This is a mandatory meeting held at WVU Jackson’s Mill.
Have open availability throughout the entire month of June. This is a prerequisite as June is the busiest month for 4-H camps.
Maintain effective communications with the 4-H STEM supervisor, and WVU College Liaisons.
Follow all guidelines and policies of the West Virginia University Extension Service, and WVU College Liaisons.
Exercise mature, professional judgment in assuming responsibility for and working with youth.
Prepare and submit reports and conduct evaluations as requested by the Supervisor.
Travel to site and conduct needed activities on a timely basis.
Each Ambassador will be evaluated by their Supervisor.
Length of Assignment: 4.5 Months
Location: Various locations throughout the state of West Virginia; location to change weekly for duration of assignment.
Pay: Salary of $3,000-$4,000 ($125 per day for an average of 30 days of work on the project). Room and board provided while on assignment. STEM Ambassadors are guaranteed 25 days of work, additional opportunities are sometimes available beyond the required 25 days.
Time Required: May 17, 2026, to August 10, 2026, or a portion thereof. Weekends and overnight stays at various statewide 4-H camps will be required. Full assignment schedules will be determined based on need and ambassador availability.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent with at least one year of college (24 credit hours) from a sponsoring college. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply.
• Current undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a STEM degree from at least one of the colleges listed below are eligible for employment.
• The ability to be energetic, enthusiastic, quick-thinking, adaptable, diplomatic and prompt
• The ability to teach and motivate youth while nurturing positive self-esteem, decision-making skills, responsibility and leadership in youth
• A sincere commitment to cooperating with others to further the educational purposes of the of the STEM curriculum
• Ambassadors must be able to provide their own transportation to locations across West Virginia (a travel stipend is provided)
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Ability to deliver curriculum on a variety of STEM topics
• Ability to communicate in written and verbal forms and work with youth and adult participants of differing age and skill levels; provide necessary instructions to youth
• Ability to observe youth behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce appropriate safety regulations and policies and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques
• Visual and auditory abilities to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to activities
• Ability to assist youth in emergencies (fire, evacuation, illness, injury)
• Possess physical strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of youth and perform other assigned duties

Responsibilities

• Lead organized STEM educational classes and activities at 4-H summer camps
• Deliver STEM curriculum courses
• Offer STEM activities throughout the day
• Assist Camp Director and camp staff with other camp duties
• Camper Counseling and/or youth supervision duties (in camp/cabin settings)
• Other activities and classes within the instructor’s training and expertise
• Provide information about their major, their college, and WVU to youth participants
• Assemble STEM materials and kits as needed
• Participate in STEM Ambassador Training May 17-May 23, 2026
• Participate in the STEM Ambassador End of Summer Meeting on Wednesday, Aug 5, 2026
• Maintain effective communications with the 4-H STEM supervisor, and WVU College Liaisons
• Follow all guidelines and policies of the West Virginia University Extension Service, and WVU College Liaisons
• Exercise mature, professional judgment in assuming responsibility for and working with youth
• Prepare and submit reports and conduct evaluations as requested by the Supervisor
• Travel to site and conduct needed activities on a timely basis

Benefits

• Room and board provided while on assignment.
• STEM Ambassadors are guaranteed 25 days of work, additional opportunities are sometimes available beyond the required 25 days.
• a travel stipend is provided

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED