What is Jazz Lab Summer?
Over six days, Jazz Lab Summer will serve approximately 900 youth from summer camps across the region through an immersive, high-energy STEAM experience. Students choose three hands-on labs—from virtual reality music-making and conga drumming to AI world-building and music coding—that spark creativity, build confidence, and encourage exploration. Along the way, they engage with cutting-edge technology while developing essential skills like collaboration, adaptability, problem-solving, and improvisation.

Who Is the Perfect Jazz Lab Summer Volunteer?
The ideal volunteer is patient, curious, and energized by helping young people explore new ideas through hands-on experiences. You’re a great listener, adaptable, and excited to encourage creativity and confidence in others. Whether you’re a parent, former educator, musician, STEM enthusiast, college student, or lifelong learner, your unique perspective and talents can make a lasting impact.

What Will I Be Doing as a Volunteer?
As a Jazz Lab Summer volunteer, you’ll support our STEAM educators by creating a welcoming, organized environment by assisting with setup and cleanup, supporting students during labs, guiding students during lab transitions, managing materials, and distributing surveys. Most importantly, you’ll help make each student’s experience fun, encouraging, and memorable.

Do I Need a Background in Music or STEM to Volunteer?
Not at all. While experience in music or STEM is a bonus, it’s not required. We’re looking for enthusiastic, dependable volunteers who enjoy working with young people and are open to learning alongside them. We provide training, guidance, and support to help you feel confident and prepared in your role.

Will I be responsible for heavy lifting?
No heavy lifting is required. Volunteers may occasionally help rearrange desks or chairs or move light activity materials, but nothing over 20 pounds. And if you’re unable to assist with those tasks, no worries—our Jazz Lab staff will handle any heavy equipment or large items.

Approximately How Many Students Are in Each Session?
Each session includes approximately 20 students.

How Many Sessions Are There Each Day?
There are three sessions each day.

Is Lunch Provided?
Unfortunately, no. Due to grant restrictions, we’re unable to provide lunch for adult volunteers. Please plan to bring your own lunch, bottled water, and coffee or other beverages. There is no functioning cafeteria on-site.

Where Is Jazz Lab Summer Taking Place?
Jazz Lab Summer takes place at the Fort Hayes Construction Arts Building, where A Tribe for Jazz transforms the space into an interactive creative learning hub for six days. Conveniently located just a quarter mile from Columbus State Community College, the venue address is:

600 Jack Gibbs Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43215

Free on-site parking is available for all volunteers.

Contact
If you have additional questions, contact Stephanie Matthews, Executive Director, A Tribe for Jazz at SMatthews@atribeforjazz.org, (917) 858-9453.