Techie Teens

The primary goal of Cupertino’s Techie Teens volunteer program at the Senior Center is to help teens give back to the community by engaging the 50+ community to assist in developing their technological skills. Our volunteers can expect to gain the following experiences: leadership roles, public speaking opportunities, interpersonal communication, and much more. While anyone between the ages of 14 to18 may apply, we would like to remind all applicants that space is limited and acceptance into the program will be based on answers to supplemental questions, availability, and interview performance. Any teen with a strong desire to work with our 50+ population is encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will be enthusiastic, dedicated, and devoted to providing our 50+ population with an enriching experience.

Due to the standards of this program, there is an application process with supplemental questions and a required interview process. Interviews are tentatively scheduled in April. 

Techie Teen Volunteers that are selected to the program will be expected to meet the following requirements:

• Must be at least 14 years old by the first day of training
• Attend all training meetings
• Be fingerprinted and cleared
• Volunteer for a minimum of 2 hours every week for the full duration of the program (June 10 to August 7)
• Must create and present a 30-minute workshop to present at the end of the program (August 5 or August 7)
• Must provide own transportation to and from program site
• Arrive on time for shifts and stay for the whole duration of scheduled shift
• Wear program shirt and nametag while volunteering

Volunteer In-Service Training

In-service Training is required and will be held on Monday, June 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. During training, our teen volunteers will become versed in translating device and application language, conversing with 50+ adults, building interpersonal skills with 50+ adults, and how to assist with technological questions.

Application Checklist

• Techie Teen Volunteer Application
• Techie Teen Volunteer Agreement(PDF, 196KB)
• Teen Volunteer Expectations and Guidelines
• Supplemental Questions

Online applications close Friday, March 27 at 4 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted.

Selection of Techie Teen Team

Due to the popularity and standards of the program, we will be using the answers of the supplemental questions as well as an interview to select our volunteer team. In addition, we will review an applicant’s availability to determine acceptance into the program. Interviews are tentatively scheduled in the middle of April. Once selected, volunteers will be sent acceptance emails with next steps and details on training. Program assignments will be distributed in June.

Program Payment

If selected, payment of $30 is required to cover the cost of fingerprinting, program shirt, nametag, and other program training materials. Checks should be made out to "City of Cupertino" and payment will be due on training day, on Monday, June 8.

I’m not available for the in-service training. Can I still take part in the program?

Tech Teen Volunteers must be available for the full in-service training program and their assigned volunteer shifts that occur every other week. For safety and training reasons, exceptions will not be made.

I am unsure of my summer schedule at this time. Will I be able to apply later?

There are limited spots, and all spots will be filled within the week of the deadline. If any spots remain, they will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.

When will I know if I am selected for the program?

The beginning of May.

I have a filled schedule and anticipate an increase in extracurricular activities throughout the summer. Should I still participate in the program?

Techie Teen Volunteers must be available for their assigned 2-hour volunteer shift which will occur every week. Shifts will begin Wednesday, June 10 and end Friday, August 7. There will be no sessions on June 19, July 3, July 29, and July 31.

Techie Teen Volunteers must also be available to present their 30-minute workshop at the end of the program in August.

I do not have any teaching experience, should I still apply?

Yes, we encourage anyone interested to apply.

I am interested, but may not have transportation to get to the center. What should I do?

Please still apply. There is public transportation (VTA) and Silicon Valley Hopper as options to get to the facility.

Will I receive documentation for my service hours?

If you require documentation of hours, please talk to City staff any time before the end of your volunteer period and they will complete the appropriate documents.

Is there a uniform requirement?

Yes, all volunteers will be provided with a shirt and a nametag which they must wear during their volunteer shift.

May I volunteer for more than one day?

Yes, volunteers may talk with City staff to volunteer twice a week for a total four hours a week.