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CU Science Discovery provides a number of volunteer opportunities for people interested in working in K-12 STEM education outreach.

School Year Opportunities​

STEM Mentors - Elementary Math (Boulder): 

Facilitate a play-based elementary math afterschool program in local Boulder schools! Work with a team of CU students to lead a once-a-week after-school program aimed at making kids feel more positive about math.

• Perks: Build great relationships with elementary learners, strengthen your communication and leadership skills, and an opportunity to make an impact in the local community at some high-needs and bilingual schools.
• Commitment: Once-per-week, typically Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday; 8-9 weeks.
• Time: 2:15-4:45pm, including travel.

Applicants with Work-Study are invited to apply via Handshake:

Note: Search for "Science Discovery."

No Work-Study? 

STEM Mentors - Elementary Math and STEM (Thornton): 

Alongside high school volunteers, support math enrichment tutoring for young learners at STEM Launch, followed by facilitating engaging STEM activities (e.g. escape room puzzles, robotics, physics, and more).

• Perks: Build great relationships with elementary learners, strengthen your communication and leadership skills, and an opportunity to make an impact in a high-needs community with many English language learners. 
• Commitment: 1 to 3 times per week; 12 weeks per semester, typically Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday. Ideally you would commit to the full-year, as that allows you to get to know the kids well, but please indicate if you are interested either way. 
• Time: 2:15-5:45pm, including travel. 
• Note: This site will require travel by car or carpool. Pay is available as an option to all mentors.

Interested in becoming an Elementary Math STEM Mentor in Thornton? Share your information via the .  

STEM Mentors - Northglenn High School STEM (Northglenn): 

Support teams of high school seniors in their engineering capstone classes as they make authentic projects for the community. Give advice, ask questions, and share about your experience as a student at CU.

• Perks: Build great relationships with high school students, strengthen your communication and leadership skills, and be a mentor to seniors who are about to embark on college.
• Commitment: Once per week; approximately 12 weeks per semester, typically Fridays.
• Time: Morning or Afternoon (times TBD).
• Note: This site will require travel by car or carpool. 

STEM Mentors - Casey Middle School, STEM Student Support (Boulder):

Visit Casey Middle School in Boulder to work with students one-on-one or in small groups on their STEM assignments or support afterschool homework help.

• Perks: Build great relationships with middle school students and support local learners.
• Commitment: 1-2 times per week; approximately 10 weeks per semester.
• Time: TBD; depends on Casey Middle School class schedule.

Volunteering at One-Off Events: 

Science Discovery often has opportunities arise to support K-12 STEM work in the community at one-off events. These come up at random times throughout the year and Science Discovery staff will reach out to see if you are interested on a case-by-case basis. Completion of  means that you will be added to a list-serve and notified via email as opportunities come available. 

Classroom Program Instructor (limited to Graduate students): 

Serve as a STEM instructor for 1-hour Classroom Programs at Colorado elementary schools. Paid; Scheduled as needed.

Information sessions are scheduled each semester as needed. In the interim, if you have questions regarding the program requirements or application process, contact Tim Ogino via email.

Summer Opportunities

Onboarding has concluded for all summer 2024 STEM Crew members. 

High School STEM Crew:

Science Discovery offers high school students volunteer opportunities to assist with K-8 summer camps. This unpaid volunteer opportunity is designed to prepare students for additional paid opportunities within the Science Discovery organization. Those that perform at a high level, demonstrating professionalism and reliability, may be invited to apply for paid opportunities in the future. STEM Crew volunteers gain valuable experience in:

• Classroom settings working with campers, junior counselors, teaching assistants, instructors and Science Discovery staff 
• Developing interpersonal, time management and communication skills
• A work environment that encourages personal and professional growth

STEM Crew team members are selected through a competitive application process.

Minimum Requirements:

• Applicants must be 14 years of age by May 1 and no older than a senior in high school.
• STEM Crew team members must commit to scheduled shifts. Shifts will occur Monday-Friday for approximately 7 hours each day (with a minimum of 20 hours/week), based upon applicant availability.
• Volunteers are required to attend a 2-3-hour training session (date will be provided upon acceptance to the program). If a volunteer fails to attend the required training for any reason, they will be removed from the program. 

Expectations for STEM Crew Team Members:

• STEM Crew members are expected to arrive on time and prepared for each shift for which they are scheduled.
• They are required to adhere to the CU Science Discovery dress code, attendance and behavior policies.
• All cell phones are to be stowed during volunteer hours unless the volunteer task requires use of a cell phone.
• Volunteer opportunities with CU Science Discovery consists of working with instructors, graduate and undergraduate students, scientists, other teens and children in grades K-8. As such, professionalism is expected at all times.

If you have questions regarding the STEM Crew program requirements, application process or other volunteer opportunities contact Kaylyn Murphy via email.