Lift and Shift Foundation is seeking creative and innovative high school students to join our team as Graphic Artist and Creative Technologist Interns. In this dual-focused role, you will contribute by designing visual assets and developing hands-on engineering projects that support our mission of making STEM accessible and engaging. This is an excellent opportunity to build your portfolio, gain practical experience, and make a meaningful impact.
Our internships are part of an unpaid program with three cycles to align with regional academic institutions:
- 12-week fall semester (September–December)
- 12-week spring semester (February–May)
- 9-week summer program (June–August)
Responsibilities
Interns can choose to specialize in one or more of the following areas:
1. Graphic Artist
- Design icons, sprites, and other visual elements for our digital projects, including the Scratch app, website, and educational tools.
- Create and refine color palettes and branding elements that align with the foundation’s mission.
- Assist in designing graphics for potential merchandise such as T-shirts, stickers, and other promotional items.
- Collaborate with app and game developers to ensure seamless integration of assets into their projects.
- Receive and incorporate feedback from the team to refine your designs.
2. Creative Technologist
- Develop projects using tools such as Arduino and 3D modeling to create educational or assistive devices.
- Document and showcase projects with detailed guides and visuals, similar to Tinkercad-style tutorials.
- Create 3D models and CAD designs for prototypes and other engineering applications.
- Experiment with STEM-based creative technologies and propose innovative solutions for real-world challenges.
- Possibly collaborate with other interns to integrate hardware solutions with digital tools and platforms.
Required Skills and Qualities
- Creativity: A strong eye for design and a passion for hands-on experimentation.
- Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with tools such as Tinkercad, Photoshop/GIMP, or Arduino IDE. (Training can be provided if needed.)
- Collaboration: Willingness to work independently while incorporating input from a team.
- Attention to Detail: Ability to produce polished, high-quality designs and well-documented projects.
- Interest in STEM: Enthusiasm for creating visuals and projects that support STEM accessibility, even if you’re new to these fields.
What You’ll Gain
- Hands-on experience in creating and refining digital assets and engineering prototypes.
- A portfolio of professional-grade projects that demonstrate your artistic and technical skills.
- Mentorship from the foundation’s team and opportunities to learn about STEM-focused nonprofits.
- The satisfaction of contributing to projects that inspire and empower learners in STEM fields.
Commitment
- Flexible schedule: Approximately 6-10 hours per week over 12 weeks.
- Remote opportunity: Work from home with virtual check-ins via Slack or video meetings.
Join the Lift and Shift Foundation and use your talents to make STEM more accessible and engaging for all!
