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Volunteer with the STEM Ambassador Program!
STEMAP trains and connects scientists with opportunities to interact with people who may not normally encounter science as part of their everyday lives. STEM Ambassadors travel to community venues where scientific content is not normally found, and where members of the community live, work, recreate and gather to fulfill common interests and hobbies (e.g., a cooking school). The Ambassador shares science that is complimentary to the venue and community (e.g., science behind cooking). |
Art student volunteer (left) and Research Associate Professor (right) work together on a STEMAP project
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This approach provides scientists with the opportunity to engage with people who may not have ready access to science or do not often participate in traditional science programs in a classroom or museum setting. The personal and professional interests of the scientist determine which community group s/he approaches, ensuring that the scientist’s personal and professional interests compliment that of the group. This approach allows the scientist to form authentic connections within the community, beyond basic information sharing, and offers the opportunity for the scientist to gain new ideas from community members.
STEMAP seeks volunteers to assist with event facilitation, program promotion, event preparation, and research.
STEMAP seeks volunteers to assist with event facilitation, program promotion, event preparation, and research.
Volunteer Positions
STEMAP seeks volunteers to assist with event facilitation, program promotion, event preparation, and research. Select a position below for a description, approximate time commitment, and training:
STEMAP seeks volunteers to assist with event facilitation, program promotion, event preparation, and research. Select a position below for a description, approximate time commitment, and training:
STEMAP Event Volunteer
Description: Provide assistance at public engagement events. The event volunteer will assist with setup/cleanup and take notes and photos during STEMAP events. The volunteer will distribute and collect photo/video consent forms and project evaluation surveys and return these to STEMAP staff after the event. While independent transportation is not required, it is strongly recommended as events occur in venues across the Salt Lake Valley. This position has flexible hours- the volunteer will be provided with a calendar of scheduled events and will coordinate attendance with STEMAP staff. Event Volunteers must attend at least one event per month and meet with staff once every other month to remain active in the program.
Event volunteers are encouraged to draft brief articles on the events attended for the monthly STEMAP newsletter.
Time Commitment: 5-6 hours/ month
Required Training: Participate in a one-hour training meeting with STEMAP staff. Attend at least one STEMAP event with staff before attending events independently.
Event volunteers are encouraged to draft brief articles on the events attended for the monthly STEMAP newsletter.
Time Commitment: 5-6 hours/ month
Required Training: Participate in a one-hour training meeting with STEMAP staff. Attend at least one STEMAP event with staff before attending events independently.
STEMAP Promotion Volunteer
Description: Promote STEMAP programs by developing event flyers, newsletter content and webpage material. Minimum time commitment is 8 hours each month. Promotion volunteers must meet with staff at least twice each month.
Time Commitment: 8 hours/month
Required Training: Participate in a one-hour training meeting with STEMAP staff.
Time Commitment: 8 hours/month
Required Training: Participate in a one-hour training meeting with STEMAP staff.
STEM Ambassador Support Volunteer
Description: Provide support to a STEM Ambassador as s/he prepares for engagement events. STEMAP staff will coordinate placement of a volunteer with an Ambassador- based on the interests and skills of the volunteer. The volunteer will be responsible for material development tasks designated by STEMAP staff and the Ambassador. In the past, volunteers have helped Ambassadors with poster creation, artwork for projects, and activity assembly. This opportunity offers the chance to work closely with faculty, post-docs, and graduate students from a wide variety of fields. Hours will depend on the assignment and will be established by the volunteer and STEMAP staff. The minimum commitment for this position is 2 hours/week but could vary depending on project needs. Support volunteers and Ambassadors are required to meet with STEMAP staff at least once each month.
Time Commitment: 2 hours/week
Required Training: Participate in a one-hour training meeting with STEMAP staff and a second meeting with staff and the Ambassador to discuss responsibilities.
Time Commitment: 2 hours/week
Required Training: Participate in a one-hour training meeting with STEMAP staff and a second meeting with staff and the Ambassador to discuss responsibilities.
Research Volunteer
Description: Responsible for compiling a list of all engagement and outreach programs on the University of Utah campus, including program descriptions and key contacts. The volunteer will also be tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of national public engagement programs and science communication training opportunities.
Relevant coursework, prior research experience, or a minimum of 10 hours of STEMAP volunteer experience (as an event, promotion or support volunteer) is required for this position. This position requires a minimum 5 hour/week time commitment and weekly meetings with STEMAP staff.
Time Commitment: 5 hours/week
Required Training: Completion of 10 hours STEMAP volunteer experience or previous research experience/relevant coursework required.
Relevant coursework, prior research experience, or a minimum of 10 hours of STEMAP volunteer experience (as an event, promotion or support volunteer) is required for this position. This position requires a minimum 5 hour/week time commitment and weekly meetings with STEMAP staff.
Time Commitment: 5 hours/week
Required Training: Completion of 10 hours STEMAP volunteer experience or previous research experience/relevant coursework required.
Internships/Work study
The STEM Ambassador Program also occasionally has internship, work study, and for credit opportunities available to University of Utah undergraduate students. Past responsibilities have included:
- Engagement material preparation, including poster designs
- Photography of events and Ambassador functions
- Data entry and organization
- Writing for the monthly newsletter
- Developing promotional materials
How to become a STEMAP volunteer:
- Submit the application below: Staff review applications on a rolling basis and contact those selected for an interview.
- Interview: Staff meet with applicants to discuss relevant experience and interests.
- Training: Volunteers must complete trainings listed in position descriptions.
- Volunteer: Volunteers will be added to a lab database. Staff will track hours and provide certificates or letters of completion for volunteers.