Volunteer
Volunteers are crucial in helping Discovery Space deliver great STEM experiences.
Volunteering at Discovery Space
Volunteers are crucial in helping Discovery Space deliver great Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) experiences. We welcome dedicated, dynamic volunteers (ages 14 and up) to help in a number of ways. All volunteers are equipped for success through orientation and ongoing training. If you enjoy working flexible hours in an energetic environment and have a passion for inspiring a love of STEM, consider applying to become a Discovery Space volunteer!
Opportunities
Time commitments vary depending on the position. Exhibit floor and education volunteers ideally commit to regular shifts of at least 2-4 hours per week. All positions will require background checks.
Spark Internship
Spark is an internship program for high schoolers to earn valuable experience in an informal science education setting.
Exhibit Floor Facilitator
Enhance the guest experience by facilitating interactions with exhibits and helping maintain a safe, clean environment.
Education Program Assistant
Assist Discovery Space educators in leading regular (often weekly) programs (ages 0-15).
Special Events/Outreach Facilitator
Facilitate hands-on activities at events in and around State College, often on weekends and evenings.
Behind the Scenes Volunteer
Opportunities include exhibit design and construction, office assistance, photography/videography, and marketing.
NEW Volunteer Positions!
Pottery Studio Ambassador (Volunteer)
3-10 hours per week
3 positions open
The Rivet is looking for 1-2 Pottery Studio Ambassadors to be on-site during open workshop hours to assist with the successful operation and maintenance of one of our busiest areas – the pottery studio. We have a full studio where beginners to experts create, glaze, slip cast and carve amazing works of art from a choice of three clay bodies. You bring an interest and the ability to commit to a regular schedule and we will train you on everything you need to know!
Duties may include:
- General clean up of the floors, surfaces, equipment and tools
- Mixing of glazes
- Upkeep of equipment
- Inventory of all materials
- Kiln maintenance and firings
- Operation of pugmill and clay reclaim procedures
Please submit a one page or shorter cover letter to detailing: who you are, why you’re interested, and why you would make a great fit for this position. Please include your contact information and any relevant experience or other information that you see fit. Background checks will be required if you are chosen for this position.
3D Printing Volunteer (Youth-focused)
Saturdays 10am-12pm
The Rivet is in need of enthusiastic volunteers to help during Youth Workshop Hours, Saturday mornings from 10am-12pm.
During the program, kids ages 8-14 have a chance to try out several areas of The Rivet and 3D printing is becoming increasingly popular!
Volunteers will help beginners learn the basics of 3D printing and help more experienced kids with questions they may have as they design and print their own projects. Occasional printer maintenance may be required.
Benefits of Volunteering at Discovery Space:
- Be part of the Discovery Space team and see creativity, curiosity, and imagination at work!
- Sharpen your skills, or develop new ones.
- Build relationships and your resume.
- Experience and facilitate informal STEM learning in your community.
- Opportunity to receive a free one-year Family Membership after 75 hours of volunteering during 12 consecutive months.
If you are interested, complete the Volunteer Interest Form and our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you. If you are representing a group who would like to volunteer together, complete the Group Volunteer Interest Form and our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you. For questions or information about group volunteer opportunities, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at .