Would you like to share your enthusiasm and knowledge about STEM with other students? It’s common for teens to participate in community service today, for a variety of reasons. If you love science and technology, enjoy coding, or are a member of a robotics or math team, STEM volunteering could be a rewarding experience for you and benefit the students you work with.
Think about what kind of volunteer work you’d like to do, then take some time to explore the possibilities in your community. STEM volunteer opportunities might not always be readily apparent, so be prepared to get creative and take initiative in finding them. If you’re told that there isn’t a volunteer program established, plan to describe how you might benefit the organization by volunteering, or even make a proposal—you may be pleasantly surprised at the response.
Community service ideas to get you started.
- A great place to start is at your own high school, particularly the community service clubs. If your school runs a community service program, ask the coordinator if there are STEM-specific activities. But don’t stop there: talk with your science and math teachers and guidance counselors to see if they are aware of opportunities as well, or will help you create one.
- Find out if your elementary and middle schools’ after school enrichment programs run STEM programs like coding clubs, LEGO leagues, and robotics programs. Ask if you can be a student assistant.
- Use your knowledge to tutor other students in science, math, engineering, and coding.
- Reach out to your local Girls Who Code Club and volunteer within the Club as a “Teaching Assistant” or take on other leadership roles within the Club.
- Contact your local library: if they run STEM programs, see if you can assist. Many libraries start planning their summer program activities for children in the late winter and may be glad to line up summer volunteer assistance well before the summer. Ask if they offer IT training classes or technical assistance to adults and if there might be a role for a student volunteer.
- STEM summer camps. A growing collection of summer programs and camps focus on STEM activities and training for kids. Some are offered by colleges and universities, while others are independent. Contact the ones that appeal to you and see if they could use a student volunteer assistant. It could turn into a future paying summer job, and in the meantime, you could learn new skills and share your enthusiasm about STEM with younger kids.
- Search for local opportunities based on your zip code at VolunteerMatch and Idealist.
Start your own STEM organization.
Pick a topic you are passionate about and host events and activities or create resources for other students. Here are a few examples to show you the possibilities.
- Hackathons are popular among teens and some are even student-led. Here is an example of a Boston area hackathon organized by teens: Beantown Bash. And here is a great resource about high school hack clubs.
- Are you interested in a particular subject? Science and Us is a youth-led organization that helps high school students discover science communication, media, and policy through in-person makeathons. Students held the AIxTeens Summit, a series of talks from five Boston-area female leaders working in artificial intelligence, describing their work and experiences as underrepresented individuals in the field.
- Do you have a wide variety of interests that you want to share with other students? During the COVID-19 school closures, the Winchester High School STEM Education Club shared a STEM resources website they created for families. The site features STEAM lessons, activities, and videos to keep elementary school students entertained and engaged in learning.
- Do you enjoy teaching others? Genxl is a nonprofit foundation established in Massachusetts by a group of high schoolers determined to make an impact. They offer free online STEM courses worldwide for students from grades 1 to 8. Interested volunteers may create and instruct their very own STEM courses, along with being able to hold important leadership positions. Visit the website and find the volunteering tab, where you may fill out an application. Once this is complete, a representative will contact you regarding details for an interview.
Finally, have you already done some STEM community service? I’d love to hear about your experience and any suggestions you have for other teens. Contact me at bostontechmom.com.
