How to Recruit Volunteers

No experience necessary!

Make sure potential volunteers know that a science background is not required to lead a Science on the Road (SOR) activity. Their main job is to have fun! Encourage your volunteers to dress in comfortable shoes and clothing, as some of the activities might require them to be a bit active. This is a learning experience for everyone involved, and our Science on the Road presenter will be on hand to help them understand the science behind the activities.

Be flexible and clear in your scheduling expectations.

We require 12–15 volunteers for the hands-on sessions, and we strongly suggest recruiting extra volunteers in case of a last-minute emergency.

If volunteers are interested in helping but aren’t available for the entire day, you can schedule morning or afternoon shifts to make sure every hands-on station is covered throughout the day. If possible, have the volunteers sit in on the assembly program so they have a better understanding of the science content students are learning.

All volunteers must be available for the mandatory volunteer training provided by our SOR presenter, before the start of the first session. If you have volunteers working split shifts and covering only half of the program day schedule a training session during the lunch break to ensure your SOR presenter can prepare all volunteers for a great afternoon.

Let them know they are appreciated!

The Carnegie Science Center program could not happen without the help of these amazing volunteers. They are donating their time and a great deal of effort. Providing coffee and water during the day or supplying lunch are great ways to say thank you!

Note about clearances:

Your school district may require volunteers to have one or several security clearances/background checks to ensure every adult provides a safe experience to the students.