Opportunities From: STEM School Highlands Ranch

Volunteer Opportunity – Room Monitors for D&D/TTRPG Club

STEM Secondary School has a robust Dungeons & Dragons and TTRPGs Club. We are expecting 100+ students to participate this year! To support the level of interest in the club, we need a strong team of room monitors to help ensure our game spaces run smoothly.

Previous knowledge of tabletop role-playing games is not required. Your role will be to help supervise, provide support as needed, and maintain a safe and fun environment for all participants. Our amazing volunteers and students will handle the teaching and game-running.

The club meets on Thursdays from 3:30 - 5:00 PM.

Note: There is a separate volunteer sign-up for those interested in being trained as a game master. This training is on Tuesdays.

This program will teach students and volunteers the art and science of how to gamemaster (GM) a role-playing session. We will start with a roleplaying safety tip sheet to learn how to identify topics that are or are not appropriate for various game tables, judgment-free; this is a discussion of how to have these conversations, not an endorsement one way or another.

The class will then expand to elements of planning, such as running game sessions, time management, redirecting players, resolving player conflict, and building and maintaining story momentum. We will delve into how to best use digital tools, map-making, encounter balance, gameplay styles, social vs. tactical vs. strategic gameplay, and metagaming.

After the first few sessions, this will become a time for students to plan/prep for their roleplaying games (hopefully, they will run as a GM for their HS and MS classmates during those enrichment opportunities). In addition to planning, it will be a time for GMs to discuss any challenges they might have with their groups for peer (and lead) support in resolving issues.

Meetings are on Tuesdays in Ms. Montour's room.

Support STEM School Highlands Ranch’s BEST Robotics team by donating food! Every contribution helps both our community and our students.

For every $20 in food donated, you’ll earn credit for 1 hour of volunteer time. This means your generosity not only provides needed supplies but also supports the robotics program by fulfilling volunteer requirements.

Your donations directly impact our ability to fuel innovation, teamwork, and success for our students. Thank you for helping us build a stronger community while empowering the next generation of problem-solvers and leaders!

BEST Robotics Engineering Lab Volunteer

Position Overview:
As a BEST Robotics Engineering Lab Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in supporting the development and implementation of robotics projects for the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science, and Technology) Robotics program. This volunteer position offers a hands-on opportunity to work with high school students, guiding them through the engineering design process and helping them build and program robots for competitive events.

Shared Volunteer Roles:
Mentorship & Guidance: Provide technical assistance and mentorship to students participating in the robotics program. Help them understand engineering principles, troubleshoot technical issues, and develop creative solutions.
Lab Maintenance: Assist in setting up, maintaining, and organizing the engineering lab, including tools, equipment, and supplies.
Workshops & Training: Lead or assist in workshops and training sessions on robotics, engineering concepts, and programming. Ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for successful project development.
Project Support: Aid in the design, assembly, and programming of robots. Offer feedback and suggestions to improve the functionality and performance of the robots.
Event Preparation: Help prepare for and participate in BEST Robotics competitions and events. Ensure that all equipment and robots are competition-ready and assist in logistics as needed.
Documentation: Maintain records of project progress, lab activities, and any issues encountered. Help document best practices and lessons learned for future reference.

Helpful Qualifications:
Technical Skills: Basic to advanced knowledge of robotics, engineering principles, and programming. Familiarity with tools, machinery, and robotics kits used in the BEST Robotics program.
Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner.
Problem-Solving: Excellent problem-solving abilities and a creative approach to troubleshooting and design challenges.
Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, including collaborating with students, fellow volunteers, and program coordinators.
Passion for STEM: Enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and a commitment to inspiring and supporting students in their learning journey.

Commitment:
Time: Flexible scheduling options with a commitment of approximately 7 hours per week. Specific hours will be determined based on the needs of the lab and the volunteer's availability.
Duration: This is an ongoing volunteer position with opportunities to contribute throughout the academic year or specific project cycles.

Benefits:
- Gain hands-on experience in robotics and engineering.
- Develop leadership and mentorship skills.
- Contribute to the educational and professional growth of high school students.
- Network with professionals and enthusiasts in the field of robotics and STEM education.

Join us in inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators!

Volunteer sign-up for STEM School's SWENext club. Contact carla.gustafson@stemk12.org

Would you like to see what we're working on in TSA? We always welcome visitors who would like to help supervise our work-time and offer advice, no matter your field or background.