SPARK AmeriCorps Member – Education & STEAM

Massachusetts Nonprofit Network; Lowell, Somerville, Boston (MA, MA, MA); On-site; USD 14,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Kids in Tech is recruiting its inaugural SPARK AmeriCorps Members to support elementary and middle school students in Boston, Lowell, and Somerville, Massachusetts. This is a 1,200-hour national service opportunity from October 5, 2026 through June 16, 2027, with members serving approximately 40 hours per week.

You do not need to be a STEM expert. Kids in Tech provides curriculum, training, coaching, and ongoing support.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one and small-group academic support to elementary and middle school students.
• Reinforce teacher-directed instruction and help students build confidence as learners.
• Facilitate hands-on STEM activities in coding, robotics, engineering, computational thinking, and digital literacy.
• Lead engaging, project-based after-school STEM experiences.
• Build positive relationships with students, educators, families, and school communities.
• Prepare instructional materials and technology for student activities.
• Support Family STEM Nights and other approved community engagement activities.
• Participate in AmeriCorps orientation, training, professional development, and National Days of Service.

Job description

Serve. Teach. Inspire. Build the future of STEM.

Kids in Tech is recruiting its inaugural cohort of SPARK AmeriCorps Members to support elementary and middle school students in Boston, Lowell, and Somerville, Massachusetts.

Through the SPARK (STEAM Pathways through AmeriCorps Resources for Kids) AmeriCorps Program, members expand access to high-quality academic and STEM learning opportunities for students in under-resourced schools and communities.

This is a 1,200-hour AmeriCorps national service opportunity from October 5, 2026 through June 16, 2027, with members serving approximately 40 hours per week.

What You'll Do

• Provide one-on-one and small-group academic support to elementary and middle school students.
• Reinforce teacher-directed instruction and help students build confidence as learners.
• Facilitate hands-on STEM activities in coding, robotics, engineering, computational thinking, and digital literacy.
• Lead engaging, project-based after-school STEM experiences.
• Build positive relationships with students, educators, families, and school communities.
• Prepare instructional materials and technology for student activities.
• Support Family STEM Nights and other approved community engagement activities.
• Participate in AmeriCorps orientation, training, professional development, and National Days of Service.

You do not need to be a STEM expert. Kids in Tech provides curriculum, training, coaching, and ongoing support.

What You'll Gain

Members receive a $16,000 AmeriCorps living allowance, distributed throughout the service term; a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the required 1,200 service hours; and the opportunity to earn up to $800 in retention bonuses based on established program requirements.

Members also receive comprehensive professional development in STEM instruction, youth development, classroom management, leadership, and career readiness, with opportunities for specialized training and professional certificates or credentials as available.

SPARK provides hands-on experience working with students, educators, schools, and community organizations while developing transferable skills in teaching, leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and community engagement.

This opportunity may be especially well suited for recent graduates, gap-year candidates, career changers, and individuals exploring careers in teaching, education, youth development, STEM education, nonprofit leadership, or public service.

Who We're Looking For

Strong candidates are dependable, community-minded, eager to learn, and passionate about supporting young people. Candidates must be at least 17 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, be able to commit to the full service term, meet applicable AmeriCorps eligibility requirements, and reliably travel to their assigned service location.

Previous experience working with children or young people is strongly preferred but not required.

Service Term: October 5, 2026 – June 16, 2027

Service Commitment: 1,200 hours; approximately 40 hours per week

Living Allowance: $16,000

Service Locations: Boston, Lowell, and Somerville, Massachusetts

Application Deadline: September 21, 2026

What to Expect After You Apply

Qualified applicants will participate in an interview and selection process. Candidates selected for SPARK will then complete required AmeriCorps eligibility and background screening, service-site matching, enrollment, and pre-service training before beginning their placement.

Join the inaugural SPARK AmeriCorps cohort and spend your service year helping young people build confidence, discover STEM, and imagine new possibilities for their futures—while building skills and experience for your own next step.