A program in support of creative projects and curious people

Do you like problem solving, learning new tech, collaborating with others, and creating something new? No matter your experience or discipline, consider joining our fourth cohort of interns in the CATalyst Studios!

The University of Arizona Libraries are seeking up to 5 undergraduate interns interested in building skills in maker technologies at our new makerspace and learning community, CATalyst Studios. Interns will work together to build skills and will collaborate with the CATalyst community to create a project that helps them in their creative and career endeavors.

Eligibility

Undergraduate students in any college or discipline at the University of Arizona, and are enrolled in at least 6 units for Spring 2024. Students should have a general goal and project idea when submitting an application. Experience is not necessary!

Commitments

All internships are for Spring 2024, will begin in January and run through May 2024. Internships are approximately 10 hours per week and could include evening and weekend hours. All work for this internship will be on-site, in the CATalyst Studios in the Main Library.

Each week, commitments include:

• a one-to-two hour cohort meeting
• a three-hour shift to host drop-in hours or certifications for specific skills or technologies
• self-directed learning time

CATalyst Studios is committed to training students, connecting them with resources and opportunities appropriate to their interests, and supporting their projects with necessary supplies.

Compensation

Student interns will be paid $16/hour, for up to 150 hours. CATalyst Studios will work with schools and colleges to craft the internship to meet requirements of for-credit internships as necessary. Please note that this is considered student employment, and thus interns will be subject to eligibility requirements as well as limits of 25 hours/week total for all hours worked at UA campus jobs.

How to apply

Applications are due Monday, November 13, 2023 (by 11:59 pm local Arizona time) and should be submitted on handshake.

You will be asked to include a statement of intent that addresses, in 2 pages or less:

• the project or technical skill that you would like to pursue through self-directed learning as a member of the cohort,
• how this skill applies to your personal or professional goals
• your interest in maker technologies
• what diverse perspectives or representation you would contribute to the cohort

Application evaluation

All applicants will be notified by Dec 1, 2023. Applicants will be selected based on the strength of their individual statements that enhance the overall diversity of the cohort and the ability for CATalyst Studios to support the project proposal. Please note that we do not expect you to have experience with the technologies or skills you are interested in pursuing! We do expect a curious and open-mind, and a willingness to learn.

Sample projects

We welcome applications that address any aspect of creative maker technology. Projects can seek to solve a problem, express a creative idea, support community endeavors, or enhance your field of study. Technologies we support include:

• Sewing machines (including embroidery, serger, and industrial machines)
• 3D printers
• Laser cutters
• CNC machines
• Arduino and Raspberry Pi
• Podcasting station
• Green Screen Room
• Virtual and Augmented reality

Note this is not an exhaustive list, but are some examples of the areas which may have broad appeal.

Still have questions?

Contact us at catalyst@email.arizona.edu