Be a Youth Maker Mentor

Handmade Arcade (HA) seeks makers with Handmade Arcade Holiday Market experience and an enthusiasm for youth mentorship to serve as mentors for Handmade Arcade’s Youth Maker Accelerator (YMA) program. 

About Handmade Arcade’s Youth Maker Accelerator (YMA) Program: 

Handmade Arcade’s YMA program acts as a powerful, transformative opportunity for artistic youth entrepreneurs to grow their networks, hone their business skills, and prepare for financial independence. Fifteen youth makers ages 13-19 receive a stipend for materials and event-day expenses, a free 10x10 vendor space at HA’s annual Holiday Market, professional mentorship from established makers in the HA community, and extensive promotion through HA’s digital outlets.

Youth Maker Mentors are a critical component of Handmade Arcade’s Youth Maker program as they provide individualized support and encouragement to youth makers in their earliest stage as creative entrepreneurs. Mentorship can provide a strong foundation of support to help youth makers build their self confidence and achieve their creative entrepreneurial goals.

Position Description: 

Handmade Arcade Youth Maker Mentors will:

  • Sign a mentorship policy agreement

  • Procure a Federal Background Check and submit results to Handmade Arcade 

  • Participate in a group or individual mentor onboarding meeting with Handmade Arcade

  • Participate in the Mentorship Partnership’s Mentoring 101: What Every Mentor Should Know free online training program (or similar youth mentorship/youth development training program as approved by Handmade Arcade’s Executive Director) at least once every five years they participate as a Youth Maker Mentor 

  • Be assigned to a selected Youth Maker

  • Provide advice, support, and encouragement to Youth Maker in the months leading up to the Holiday Market via email 

  • Be available for up to 1.5 hours of virtual mentorship with their assigned Maker 

  • Meet 1:1 (virtually) with their assigned Maker at least once 

  • Check-in with assigned Maker at least once during the Holiday Market on December 6-7

  • Attend a meet-and-greet with Youth Makers if their schedules allow 

Qualifications: 

Handmade Arcade seeks makers with experience and/or interest in any of the following areas: 

  • Youth Mentorship

  • Education

  • Youth Development

We are seeking mentors with experiencing selling at Handmade Arcade's Holiday Market as we want to ensure youth gain insight about this unique event from past participants. However, if you are a maker who has sold at similar large craft markets (i.e. I Made It! Market, Three Rivers Arts Festival, etc.), please apply as we are willing to make some exceptions.

Mentors should agree with Handmade Arcade’s core values of anti-racism, collaboration, equity, financial sustainability, and transparency.

Handmade Arcade is committed to maintaining a group of mentors that is reflective of our region’s diverse make-up of makers, customers, and collaborators. Candidates with disabilities, candidates who are BIPOC, and/or candidates who are members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community are encouraged to apply.

Stipend: 

Youth Maker Mentors will receive a $100 stipend for their work.