top of page
20251025_140306113_iOS.heic

Learn More. Lead Others. Give Back.

Junior Design Mentor Program

From advanced learner to young leader.

 

Students who demonstrate strong 3D design skills, responsibility, independence, and a positive attitude may be invited to participate in the InnoAddi Junior Design Mentor Program.

Junior Design Mentors have opportunities to support younger students during selected InnoAddi after-school programs and workshops while continuing to develop their own technical and leadership skills.

Who may qualify?

Students are considered individually based on readiness rather than age alone.Participation is by invitation and is not automatically available to every advanced student.

Technical Readiness

  • Completion of approximately Level 4 or above, or equivalent skills

  • Strong understanding of core 3D design and printing concepts​

0d7a2929-0cb0-4c7a-9c4b-eddd25785113.png

Mentoring & Communication

  • Patience and willingness to help younger students

  • Ability to explain ideas clearly without completing the work for another student
Group Activity Session

Independence & Responsibility

  • Ability to work independently

  • Responsible and respectful classroom behavior

​​

Image by khampha phimmachak

Approval & Recommendation

  • ​Instructor recommendation

  • Parent/guardian permission

Image by Drahomír Hugo Posteby-Mach

Junior Mentor Role, Training & Expectations

What Junior Mentors Learn

Being technically strong is only the beginning. Junior Mentors practice:

Leadership
Learn how to guide and encourage younger students.

Communication
Practice explaining design concepts clearly and patiently.

Mentoring
Learn how to ask questions and give hints instead of simply giving answers.

Responsibility
Help maintain a positive, organized, and safe learning environment.

Technical Mastery
Strengthen existing skills by explaining design and engineering concepts to others.

Teamwork & Community
Work alongside instructors and other students while contributing to the local STEM learning community.

 

What Junior Mentors May Do

Depending on experience and readiness, Junior Mentors may:

  • Welcome and encourage younger students

  • Help students navigate beginner design software

  • Demonstrate previously mastered design techniques

  • Help students troubleshoot simple design problems

  • Ask guiding questions when students become stuck

  • Help organize project materials

  • Assist with demonstrations

  • Share their own projects and design process

  • Encourage students during engineering challenges

  • Support showcases and community STEM events

 

What Junior Mentors Do Not Do

This part is important and I recommend putting it on the website too.

Junior Mentors are students learning leadership, not replacement instructors.

They do not:

  • Supervise a class independently

  • Take responsibility for student safety

  • Operate equipment for another student without instructor approval

  • Discipline students

  • Replace adult instructors

  • Complete another student's project for them

Adult InnoAddi instructors remain responsible for instruction, supervision, equipment use, and classroom management.

 

Mentor Training

Before participating, selected students receive a short orientation covering:

  • How to help without giving away the answer

  • How to explain a skill step-by-step

  • How to work appropriately with younger students

  • Classroom expectations

  • Equipment and safety expectations

  • When to ask an adult instructor for help

bottom of page