Volunteer – Minnesota State Fair Gaming & Technology Experience (DYGI)
Disinvested Youth Gaming Initiative (DYGI) is seeking enthusiastic, friendly, and dependable individuals to volunteer with us during the 2026 Minnesota State Fair!
This is a volunteer opportunity and is not a paid position.
For all 12 days of the Minnesota State Fair, DYGI will operate one of the largest interactive technology experiences on the fairgrounds through our state-of-the-art DYGI Gaming Bus. Thousands of youth, families, educators, and community members will step inside to experience esports, virtual reality, gaming, STEM activities, technology demonstrations, and career exploration opportunities that showcase how gaming can lead to future careers in technology.
As a volunteer, you'll play an important role in creating an unforgettable experience while representing an organization dedicated to expanding access to technology, digital skills, and workforce opportunities for young people. Whether you're passionate about technology, gaming, education, community service, or simply enjoy working with people, we'd love to have you join our team!
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers may assist with a variety of activities, including:
- Welcome visitors to the DYGI Gaming Bus and create an engaging, inclusive, and energetic atmosphere.
- Help manage guest lines and maintain an organized flow of participants entering and exiting the experience.
- Assist guests with gaming stations, esports activities, virtual reality experiences, and interactive technology demonstrations.
- Share information about DYGI's mission, programs, and technology career pathways.
- Answer general questions and direct visitors to activities and resources.
- Encourage youth and families to participate in hands-on technology experiences.
- Assist with opening, closing, and maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the Gaming Bus.
- Help ensure a safe, positive, and family-friendly environment for all visitors.
- Work collaboratively with DYGI staff and fellow volunteers throughout each shift.
Volunteer Qualifications
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. Ideal volunteers are:
- Friendly, dependable, and enthusiastic.
- Passionate about youth, community engagement, technology, gaming, or education.
- Comfortable interacting with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
- Strong communicators with a positive, customer-service mindset.
- Able to stand and move throughout a 6-hour volunteer shift in an outdoor fair environment.
- Able to commit to one or multiple 6-hour volunteer shifts during the Minnesota State Fair.
- Reliable and punctual.
- Experience with events, customer service, education, youth programs, gaming, or technology is helpful but not required.
Volunteer Benefits
As a thank you for volunteering with DYGI, you'll receive:
- A $25 Minnesota State Fair food voucher for each day you volunteer.
- A DYGI volunteer t-shirt.
- Volunteer orientation and training before your shift.
- Flexible scheduling—you can volunteer for one shift or multiple days throughout the 12-day Minnesota State Fair.
- The opportunity to be part of one of the Minnesota State Fair's most innovative attractions.
- Community service experience while working alongside an incredible team dedicated to expanding opportunity for young people.
- The chance to help inspire thousands of youth and families by connecting gaming with STEM, technology, digital skills, and future careers.
About DYGI
DYGI is a Minnesota-based organization dedicated to creating equitable pathways into technology and high-demand careers through esports, gaming, STEM education, workforce development, and digital skills training. By meeting young people where they are, DYGI transforms a passion for gaming into opportunities for learning, certifications, career exploration, and long-term success.
If you're looking for a fun, meaningful way to give back while being part of one of the largest events in Minnesota, we'd love to have you join the DYGI team at the Minnesota State Fair! Come show Minnesota how gaming can inspire learning, build digital skills, and open doors to the careers of tomorrow. We can't wait to have you on the DYGI team!
Pay: Up to $25.00 per day
Benefits:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Application Question(s):
- 1. Which Minnesota State Fair dates are you available to volunteer?
- 2. Are you able to volunteer for at least one 6-hour shift?
Yes
No
- 3. Are you comfortable standing and interacting with the public for up to six hours?
Yes
No
- 5. Have you worked in any of the following?
(Check all that apply)
Customer Service
Events
Education
Youth Programs
Gaming
Technology
Community Service
None of the above
- 4. Are you willing to attend a required volunteer orientation before the State Fair?
Yes
No
Work Location: In person
