The Lab is now open, however, due to space limitations and our adjusted operations due to the pandemic, we are still unable to offer volunteer opportunities at this time. When available, opportunities will be shared through the volunteer portal. We appreciate your interest in supporting our mission to inspire a love of learning STEM by providing unique opportunities to explore, and create.
Our volunteers are the backbone of the Children’s Science Center. You don’t need a math or science background or any specific experience to help out; you just need a lot of enthusiasm and a little bit of time. It is a great way to get involved and have fun! Our corps of volunteers has done everything from staff our community programs to write for the newsletter and much more. We welcome and appreciate any help and any amount of time you can offer. Every year, hundreds of people volunteer with us! We are fully committed to a diverse volunteer team. Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. We offer a variety of opportunities for children, teens, adults and groups depending on your interests and availability:
Occasional, short term or regular commitment
Behind the scenes or direct interaction with children
Advance instructions and/or training may be provided.
At home, at our office, or around the region at our events
For important questions, email volunteer@childsci.org.
Special thanks to all of our current volunteers! See pictures from the last Volunteer Celebration.
18 Years and Older
May require a completed background check
Engage guests and provide support to education staff during daily operations at the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall.
Interact directly with children to teach them about basic scientific concepts and assist with hands-on activities when the Children’s Science Center takes their hands-on STEM activities on the road.
Get your science fix by volunteering at these presentations, workshops, or other programs at the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall, where having your support is greatly needed and appreciated.
Sign Up To VolunteerAnyone between 16 and 17 years old
No background check needed. Parent/Guardian permission required.
Engage guests and provide support to education staff during daily operations at the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall.
Interact directly with children to teach them about basic scientific concepts and assist with hands-on activities when the Children’s Science Center takes their hands-on STEM activities on the road.
Get your science fix by volunteering at these presentations, workshops, or other programs at the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall, where having your support is greatly needed and appreciated.
Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Internship
Summer 2022
The Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Internship is available to rising high school seniors and rising first year college/university students who are 17+ and interested in learning more about exploring cyber security as a possible career option. Applications are now closed, check back at a later date for more information.
STEM Summer Camp Internship
Summer 2022
The STEM Camp Internship is available to students ages 16+ who have an interest in STEM education. They will work closely with elementary aged students conducting hands-on STEM activities. Interns will also have the opportunity to develop their own STEM programming for camp students. Applications are now closed, check back at a later date for more information.
STEM Youth Development Internship
Fall 2022
The STEM Youth Development Internship is available to high school students ages 16+ who have a passion for STEM learning. They will be able to develop and practice professional skills at the Children's Science Center Lab while engaging in various hands-on activities. Candidates must be underrepresented in STEM (see application for more details). Applications are due by 5:00 pm on August 1, 2022.
Youth Advisory Board Application Open
The Children’s Science Center Lab’s Youth Advisory Board is made up of Northern Virginia high school students who volunteer, collaborate and create programs that contribute to the Children's Science Center's goal of inspiring a love of STEM. The board meets once a month and all members serve a two-year term. In addition to the projects developed for the Children's Science Center, the members volunteer at community events and at the LAB at Fair Oaks Mall. Rising freshmen through rising junior high school students are eligible to apply.
Students interested in applying to become a member of the Youth Advisory Board for the two-year term starting August 2022 should complete the application and upload their resume using the Google form. Applications are now closed, check back at a later date for more information.
Teams made up of youth aged 13-15; plus an active, registered adult (18 years or older)
Some opportunities will require the adult to complete a background check..
Engage guests and provide support to education staff during daily operations at the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall.
Get your science fix by volunteering at these presentations, workshops, or other programs at the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall, where having your support is greatly needed and appreciated.
Sign Up To VolunteerThe mainstay out reach program is our unique FamilyScience Nights. These events travel to over 50 elementary schools each school year between September and May, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. At each event, the Center arrives in our Childsci VW van with 10-12 table-top, hands-on activities and transforms the school’s gym or cafeteria into a science center. We typically serve between 200-400 families per event and need a minimum of 15 volunteers who work alongside our staff and the school’s team to make the event run smoothly.
The Center also participates in a robust calendar of regional out reach through out the year including appearances at STEM-themed festivals such as the Loudoun County STEM Day (Sept), the Maker Faire No Va at George Mason University (March), the STEM Symposium at the NySmith School (April), and the 2-day USA Science and Engineering Festival at the DC Convention Center (April). These weekend appearances are generally several hours in duration and the Center arrives with 2-4 table-top, hands-on activities. We need shifts of 4-6 volunteers every 2 hours to work along side our staff.
(Ages 13-15)
Youth between the ages of 13 and 15 are welcome to volunteer with an engaged adult at the Lab or at weekend community events. Both the youth and adult are expected to maintain a Volunteer Matters profile and sign up for the same shift. Each member of the volunteer pair is expected to stay for the entire shift and work as a team at the activity to which they are assigned. We request that each volunteer attend one training session each year (this does not have to happen prior to volunteering for the first time). For community programs, volunteers will receive an instruction packet detailing the logistics for the event, information about the activity to which they were assigned, and emergency contact numbers for event organizers. At the Lab, parent and youth teams support behind the scenes operations including stocking experiment and activity supplies. Make sure that both parent and child fill out an application and sign up for the same shift!
(Ages 16+)
Youth ages 16 and up are welcome to volunteer at the Lab and for Community Programs events like Family Science Night that occur throughout the region at locals schools and other weekend community events. We request that every volunteer provide their own transportation. We request that each volunteer attend one training session each year (this does not have to happen prior to volunteering for the first time). Volunteers will receive an instruction packet detailing the logistics for the event, information about the activity to which they were assigned, and emergency contact numbers for event organizers.
The Children’s Science Center Lab is looking for interns to support our School Break Day-Long Camps at the Lab! This fun opportunity is for those who are looking to earn qualifying academic credit or volunteer service hours. Anyone 16 years or over may apply by sending a cover letter detailing their interest and resume to internships@childsci.org with“School Break STEM Intern” in the subject line. For more information: School Break STEM Camp Intern
This position will provide a well-rounded intern experience for those individuals who are actively pursuing a
career in animal husbandry. Interns will learn along side professional animal care staff while assisting with diet preparation and distribution, cleaning enclosures and holding areas, observations, and implementing
environmental enhancements and enrichment across the LAB’s ambassador collection. Interns will also have learning opportunities and responsibilities involving informal guest interactions and conservation education. The internship will also cover topics including best practices in animal welfare, zoonotic diseases, training, AZA/SSP information, USDA requirements, record keeping, and more. Animal Care Internship
If you’re 16-18 and looking to earn service hours for school or your service club, this shift is perfect for you. Join us at the Lab from 9:30– 11:30 AM on the weekends. Please email volunteer@childsci.org.
The Children’s Science Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our Corporate Volunteer Program is for corporate and business groups who wish to contribute to the community through volunteer service for the Children’s Science Center. Volunteers are a vital resource in our efforts to deliver our mission of STEM-learning to thousands of families each year. While we welcome volunteers with specific skills, volunteers do not need a math or science background or even any specific experience! They just need a lot of enthusiasm and a little bit of time. Contact the Volunteer Team to learn about the many opportunities available to you and your colleagues at volunteer@childsci.org.
Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates the Children's Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall and STEM programs traveling to schools and other community venues across the region. The Foundation is also developing the Northern Virginia Science Center in Dulles, VA, a world-class, interactive regional science center for families, students and learners of all ages made possible through a pivotal public-private partnership. Learn more about our mission today at childsci.org and our vision for the future at novasci.org.
