Volunteer with Us

CU Science Discovery provides a number of volunteer opportunitiesÌýfor people interested in working in K-12 STEM education outreach.
School Year Opportunities
STEM Education Mentor – Elementary Math in 91PORN:
Facilitate a play-based elementary math afterschool program in local 91PORN schools. Work with a team of CU students to lead a once-a-week afterschool program aimed at making kids feel more positive about math.
- ±Ê±ð°ù°ì²õ:ÌýBuild great relationships with elementary learners, strengthen your communication and leadership skills, and an opportunity to make an impact in the local community at area high-needs, bilingual schools.
- Commitment:ÌýOnce-per-week, typically Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday;Ìý8-9 weeks per semester.
- Time:Ìý2:15-4:45pm, including travel.
- A STEM Education Mentor Leadership Board is assembled each school year (Note: The application for the 2025-2026 Leadership Board has closed.):
- June 2025 - April 2026
- $16.82-$18.00 per hour
- Participants must be currently enrolled at CU to apply or will be a student during the 2025-2026 school year.
- Past mentors will be given priority application status.
Applicants with Work-Study are invited to apply via Handshake.
Note: Search for "Science Discovery."
No Work-Study?Ìý
STEM Education Mentor – Elementary Math and STEM in Thornton:
Alongside high school volunteers, support math enrichment tutoring for young learners at STEM Launch, followed by facilitating engaging STEM activities (e.g.Ìýescape room puzzles, robotics, physics, and more).
- Perks:ÌýBuild 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:Ìý1 to 3 times per week;Ìý12 weeks per semester,Ìýtypically Monday, Tuesday or Thursday. Ideally you would commit to the full school year, as that allows you to get to know the kids well, but please indicate if you are interested either way.
- Time:Ìý2:15-5:45pm, including travel.
- Note: This site will require travel by car or carpool. Pay is available as an option to all STEM Launch mentors.
Interested in becoming an STEM Education Mentor at STEM Launch in Thornton? Share your information via the Ìý
STEM Education Mentor – Senior Capstone Support at Northglenn High School:
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 CU student.
- ±Ê±ð°ù°ì²õ:ÌýBuild 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:ÌýOnceÌýper week;Ìýapproximately 12 weeks per semester,Ìýtypically Fridays.
- Time:ÌýMorning or afternoon (times TBD).
- Note: This site will require travel by car or carpool.Ìý
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 staffÌýwill reach out to see if you are interested on a case-by-case basis. Completion ofÌýthis formÌýmeans that you will be added to a list-serve and notified via email asÌýopportunitiesÌýcome available.
Classroom Program Instructor (limited to Graduate students):
Serve as a STEM instructor for 1-hour Classroom Programs at Colorado elementary schools. Paid;ÌýScheduled 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
High School STEM Crew:
STEM Crew hiring has concluded for the summer 2025 season. Please check back next spring for summer 2026 volunteer opportunities.Ìý
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,ÌýdemonstratingÌýprofessionalism 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 1Ìýand no older than a senior in high school.
- STEM Crew team members must commit to scheduled shifts. Shifts will occur Monday-Friday for approximately 7Ìýhours each day (with a minimum of 20 hours/week), based upon applicantÌýavailability.
- 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 andÌýprepared for each shift for which they are scheduled.
- TheyÌýare 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 opportunitiesÌýcontact Kaylyn MurphyÌývia email.
Get Involved This School Year

Science Discovery provides a number of waysÌýto get involved in STEM outreach and education throughout the school year. From mentoring high school students through their engineering capstone projects, to facilitating a play-based elementary math afterschool program, andÌývolunteering at one-off events – there are volunteer opportunities for a variety of different interests and availability.
Interested in getting involved? Join the Science Discovery STEM Outreach Google Group: