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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. We offer a variety of opportunities for teens, adults, and groups depending on your interests and availability. Check out our current opportunities on 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. We are fully committed to a diverse volunteer team. Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
For important questions, email [email protected].
All volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Volunteers under the age of 16 must volunteer together with an active, engaged adult volunteer.
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Programs marked with this DNA graphic have opportunities available for these family teams.
Volunteers assist with daily operations within the Children’s Science Center Lab during timed-entry sessions or field trips. Volunteers engage guests on a front-line basis at our world-class learning space. These volunteers must commit to at least 15 volunteer hours in their first year.
Volunteers assist staff with the facilitation of periodic or one-time special events at the Lab or offsite.
Volunteers stock and prepare our activities behind the scenes. They may also assist with other activities that don’t require guest interaction.
Volunteers may fill leadership positions, including the Children’s Science Center’s Board of Directors, Advisory Board, STEM Advisory Council, and Youth Advisory Board.
Volunteers assist staff in the facilitation of hands-on STEM activities at events throughout the region. Some examples include our Family Science Nights, STEM festivals, library programs, and other off-site locations.
Our Corporate Volunteering Program allows companies to create rewarding volunteer opportunities for their employees while playing an important role in the mission to inspire a love of learning STEM in children and families in our community. Whether you’re looking to become a STEM Kit Sponsor or volunteer at the Lab alongside your colleagues, we’re excited to help you find the right fit for your organization. Email [email protected] to set up a meeting with our team to learn more.
The 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
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.
