Graduate Assistant – Lab Schools (3 Positions Available)

Old Dominion University Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity (CEIO)

The Old Dominion University Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity (CEIO) is seeking two Graduate Assistants to support innovative learning environments, makerspaces, student engagement initiatives, and special projects across its partner lab schools.

While all positions share similar responsibilities and professional development opportunities, each Graduate Assistant will be assigned to a specific site aligned with their academic background and interests:

Available Assignments

MEESA Graduate Assistant

  • Primary Location: Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies Academy (MEESA), Newport News, VA

  • Preferred graduate programs: Maritime Studies, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Environmental Studies, or related fields

SmithTech Graduate Assistant

  • Primary Location: SmithTech Academy, Chesapeake, VA

  • Preferred graduate programs: Computer Science, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Music Production, Health Sciences, or related fields

CEIO Graduate Assistant

  • Primary Location: CEIO Innovation Lab in Hampton, VA

  • Preferred graduate programs: STEM, education, or related fields

All Graduate Assistants will occasionally work at the ODU Innovation Lab in Hampton for training, meetings, collaborative initiatives, and special projects.

Position Overview

Graduate Assistants serve as members of the school support team, helping create engaging, hands-on learning experiences while supporting makerspace operations, student mentorship, outreach activities, and strategic initiatives. This position offers an opportunity to work directly with students, educators, university partners, and industry professionals while contributing to the growth and success of ODU's innovative lab school programs.

Key Responsibilities

Makerspace and Equipment Support

  • Support the operation and organization of school makerspaces and innovation spaces.

  • Assist with the maintenance, setup, troubleshooting, and inventory of equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, robotics kits, microcontrollers, fabrication tools, and other educational technologies.

  • Help ensure equipment is operating safely and efficiently.

  • Prepare materials and resources for student projects and learning activities.

Student Mentorship and Support

  • Build positive relationships with students and serve as a mentor and role model.

  • Support students as they engage in hands-on projects, design challenges, and career-connected learning experiences.

  • Encourage problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and professional skills development.

  • Assist with student projects, competitions, exhibitions, and special events.

Outreach, Recruitment, and Community Engagement

  • Represent the school and CEIO at recruitment events, open houses, field trips, community events, and outreach activities.

  • Assist with student recruitment and family engagement efforts.

  • Support partnerships with community organizations, industry partners, and educational stakeholders.

  • Help showcase student projects and school initiatives to prospective students and community members.

Special Projects and School Initiatives

  • Support strategic initiatives and special projects related to the assigned lab school's focus area.

  • Assist with research, planning, implementation, and evaluation of new programs and opportunities.

  • Collaborate with school staff, university personnel, and external partners on project development.

  • Contribute to events, camps, workshops, and experiences that enhance student learning and engagement.

Administrative and Operational Support

  • Assist with scheduling, logistics, documentation, and program coordination.

  • Attend team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.

  • Support data collection, reporting, and communication efforts as needed.

  • Perform other duties related to advancing the mission of the assigned school and CEIO.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Enrollment in a graduate program aligned with one of the school assignments.

  • Experience working with youth, adolescents, or educational programs.

  • Interest in STEM education, career-connected learning, workforce development, educational technology, or makerspaces.

  • Familiarity with makerspace equipment and educational technologies, or a willingness to learn.

  • Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

  • Ability to travel to the assigned school site and occasional meetings or activities at the ODU Innovation Lab.

Position Details

Start Date: Fall 2026

Schedule: Approximately 20 hours per week. Flexibility required Monday–Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., depending on the needs of the assigned school site. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required for special events, outreach activities, camps, and community programming.

Primary Work Location: Newport News, Chesapeake, or Hampton  (depending on assignment)

Additional Work Location: ODU Innovation Lab, 600 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA 23666 (as needed for training, meetings, and special projects)

Application Information

For questions, contact: innovationlab@odu.edu

Apply via the application here: https://forms.gle/wK1EtacLQkEoUZSJA