MAP Game Design Studios – Volunteer Instructor

MAP Game Design Studios – Volunteer Instructor

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Division: MAP Game Design Studios

Location: New York City Schools & Remote (Hybrid)

Type: Volunteer (Unpaid)

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children and youth ages 5–18 experiencing housing instability in New York City. Through mentorship, social-emotional learning, academic enrichment, and creative expression, MAP creates safe, consistent, and empowering spaces for young people to thrive.

The MAP Game Design Studios program gives students the opportunity to create their own video games while learning coding, storytelling, and art. By combining creativity and technology, the program helps youth build both practical skills and confidence.

Role Overview

We are seeking Volunteer Instructors for MAP Game Design Studios to teach students the fundamentals of game design, coding, and interactive storytelling. In this role, you will guide students through the process of building their own games while fostering teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Facilitate workshops where students design and develop their own video games
• Teach the basics of coding, storytelling, and visual design in an engaging way
• Simplify technical concepts for students of different ages and learning levels
• Collaborate with teachers and MAP staff to adapt lessons to classroom needs
• Inspire students to explore creativity through both technology and art
• Mentor students, encouraging collaboration and perseverance

Qualifications

• Background or strong interest in game design, coding, or digital arts
• Passion for teaching, mentorship, and youth engagement
• Strong communication and facilitation skills
• Ability to simplify complex ideas into age-appropriate lessons
• Teaching, tutoring, or workshop facilitation experience (preferred but not required)
• Commitment to equity, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity in education

Commitment

• Volunteer role, approximately 5–10 hours per week (lesson prep + delivery)
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Hybrid model: in-person visits to New York City schools with remote prep and support

What You’ll Gain

• Experience teaching game design, coding, and creative storytelling to K–12 students
• Opportunities to inspire and mentor the next generation of creators
• Collaboration with a passionate, mission-driven nonprofit team
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A portfolio project showcasing your teaching and mentoring impact

How to Apply

Please send your resume, LinkedIn profile, and (if available) portfolio or GitHub link to [email protected] along with a brief statement of interest.

You may also apply directly here: https://forms.gle/ptgy2zBZXJB1q7GV8

Bring your skills to MAP Game Design Studios — and help students code, create, and tell their own stories through games.