iSPACE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We value our volunteers and love to share in the fun at iSPACE! When you donate your time to an iSPACE program you are not only helping us serve our community, you are bringing smiles to children's faces and engaging them in STEM activities that will impact them for a lifetime.
In addition, iSPACE now offers two meaningful ways to recognize the incredible dedication of our student volunteers. See below for additional details!
PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS:
ROLE: Assist 2nd or 4th-grade students in our Making More Mathletes (MMM) program.
DETAILS: MMM uses LEGO elements to shore up foundational math skills, expand abstract thinking, and provide remediation/enrichment for underserved students. Volunteers would assist and iSPACE educator in program delivery and receive training and lesson plans in advance.
SKILLS: Comfortable working with children (2nd/4th grades)
TIME COMMITMENT: 1-4 hours once/month or more if desired.
TIMING: Programs begin in October 2021. Days/Times TBD
LOCATION: Partner schools - Locations/times will be availble in early October.
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Assist with iMISSION program in Columbia or Challenger.
DETAILS: The iMISSION is a space base simulation in which students apply for a "job" in advance and are assigned to one of three labs on the moon. They will conduct experiments and work on pertinent projects. During the program, there are several "emergencies" in which students need to pull together to solve a problem/challenge or else they may "die." Volunteers would circulate, help students with questions, and clean up after completion.
SKILLS: Comfortable working with children (4th-9th grades), controlled chaos, wearing a flight suit. Acting/hamming it up a bonus.
TIME COMMITMENT: ~3 hours once/month or more if desired
TIMING: Programs will begin in 2022
LOCATION: iSPACE
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Assist with student programs
DETAILS: iSPACE conducts a variety of STEM programs for students (typically 2nd-6th grades). A program offering could include Rockets, Science (Science Investigations, Chemistry Concoctions, etc.), Engineering Challenges, or Robotics. Volunteers would circulate and help students, pass out materials, help clean up.
SKILLS: Comfortable working with children (a variety of grades). If familiar with a topic (such as robotics, that is a bonus)
TIME COMMITMENT: ~1.5 - 4 hours depending on the program. As frequently as desired.
TIMING: In-school programs will begin in September, in-house programs will begin in 2022.
LOCATION: At schools (TBD) or iSPACE
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
PROGRAM PREP VOLUNTEERS:
ROLE: Build Rocket Launchers
DETAILS: Sometimes our rocket launchers cannot be repaired, so new ones will need to be built. Volunteer will need to review launcher design/materials and assemble new launchers when needed.
SKILLS: Technical/mechanical
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Year round/Flexible
LOCATION: iSPACE to begin (then if volunteer comfortable, they could work off-site)
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Create iMISSION assignments
DETAILS: The iMISSION is a space base simulation in which students apply for a "job" in advance and are assigned to one of three labs on the moon. Volunteers would review job applications and assign students their team and lab.
SKILLS: Attention to detail
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: School year/flexible
LOCATION: iSPACE to begin (then if volunteer comfortable, they could work off-site)
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Build LEGO Robots
DETAILS: Sometimes robotics programs include students building the bot from the kit, but others are shorter and need the robot pre-built. Volunteers would follow the schematic to build a LEGO robot.
SKILLS: Build with LEGO elements
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Year round/Flexible
LOCATION: iSPACE
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Sort LEGO Kits
DETAILS: Students use LEGO kits for camps. After camp these kits need to be sorted to ensure all pieces are present for future programs. The last week of camp ends August 13, so kits can be sorted anytime after that and before our first LEGO program later in the fall.
SKILLS: Attention to detail
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: August/September - volunteer can schedule time convenient for them
LOCATION: iSPACE
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Student program prep
DETAILS: iSPACE conducts a variety of STEM programs for students (typically 2nd-6th grades). A program offering could include Rockets, Science (Science Investigations, Chemistry Concoctions, etc.), Engineering Challenges, or Robotics. Volunteers would prepare materials needed for upcoming programs.
SKILLS: Attention to detail
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: The day/week before scheduled programs during the school year.
LOCATION: iSPACE or at volunteer home depending on job
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Program clean-up
DETAILS: Some iSPACE programs have significant clean-up. Volunteers would help after program is complete.
SKILLS: Attention to detail
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Year round/Flexible
LOCATION: iSPACE
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Review/repair iSPACE equipment
DETAILS: iSPACE uses equipment that often needs to be maintained/repaired if possible. The need/timing is often sporadic, but in the past, we've contacted a willing volunteer and arranged a suitable time.
SKILLS: Technical/mechanical
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Year round/Flexible
LOCATION: iSPACE (usually)
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Prepare computers/tablets for camp
DETAILS: Conduct updates and load software/apps needed for camps.
SKILLS: Technical/mechanical
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Spring
LOCATION: iSPACE
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Maintain, troubleshoot computers/tablets
DETAILS: Keep computers in running order/load updates, clean off old student files, etc.
SKILLS: Technical/mechanical
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Year round/Flexible
LOCATION: iSPACE
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Make copies
DETAILS: MMM uses LEGO elements to shore up foundational math skills, expand abstract thinking, and provide remediation/enrichment for underserved students. Volunteers would prep materials used in the program. Making More Mathletes uses data sheets for students. These need to be copied for the classes in advance of the sessions.
SKILLS: Run a copy machine
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: During school year/flexible
LOCATION: iSPACE
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: iSPACE Day craft or activity prep
DETAILS: iSPACE Day is a free community event celebrating all things STEM. We have a variety of exhibitors from other STEM organizations/companies. iSPACE also conducts crafts/activities and these activities will often need prepped in advance (i.e., cutting out paper, string, etc.).
SKILLS: Attention to detail
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: The month or two leading up to iSPACE Day, TBD
LOCATION: iSPACE or at volunteer home depending on job
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEERS:
ROLE: Social Media Management
DETAILS: Create postings for iSPACE Social Media
SKILLS: Familiar with social media platforms
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Year round/Flexible
LOCATION: iSPACE to begin (then if volunteer comfortable, they could work off-site)
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: iSPACE STEM Ambassador - School Programs
DETAILS: iSPACE serves many schools in the Greater Cincinnati area, but some still have not heard of us. We would like to reach out to those who have not heard of us and/or those who've come in the past but not recently to encourage them to book a program.
SKILLS: Sales/willingness to talk with people. Familiarity with iSPACE offerings
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Year round/Flexible
LOCATION: iSPACE to begin (then if volunteer comfortable, they could work off-site)
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: iSPACE Ambassador - Corporate Sponsorships
DETAILS: Contact local businesses about sponsoring STEM programs for under-resourced schools.
SKILLS: Sales/willingness to talk with people. Familiarity with iSPACE offerings
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Year round/Flexible
LOCATION: iSPACE to begin (then if volunteer comfortable, they could work off-site)
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: iSPACE Ambassador - Corporate Partnership Planning
DETAILS: iSPACE desires to increase our corporate partnership program. Create plan for how to partner with local businesses and generate list of potential companies to target. This is a great introduction to our programs without requiring a huge commitment.
SKILLS: Program development; research
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Year round/Flexible
LOCATION: iSPACE to begin (then if volunteer comfortable, they could work off-site)
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
iSPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEES:
ROLE: Serve on Marketing/Development, Finance/Operations, Education Committees or Girls in STEM advisory board.
DETAILS: iSPACE's Board includes with three standing committees (Development/Marketing, Finance/Operations, and Education) and occasional ad-hoc committees. In addition, we have a Girls in STEM advisory board who guide our girl programs and assist at Girls in STEM events as needed. Volunteers to serve on these committees would be welcome.
SKILLS: Interest in iSPACE Mission
TIME COMMITMENT: 2-3+ hours/month
TIMING: Year round at committee meetings
LOCATION: iSPACE or virtual
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Act as a specialist advisor to iSPACE staff or Board of Trustees.
DETAILS: Sometimes iSPACE staff or Board of Trustees needs to get advice on a topic but does not have internal resources. A volunteer may serve as a resource.
SKILLS: Specialized skills that may be needed include human resources, legal, insurance, purchasing, operations, etc.
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Year round
LOCATION: iSPACE or virtual
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Special Events Planner
DETAILS: iSPACE has special events throughout the year, such as iSPACE Day, that need coordination. Some events are smaller (such as an evening Girls in STEM event) or larger (like iSPACE Day, Science Olympiad, Pi Day, etc.) that can be split into smaller chunks. Any help with planning/executing these events is greatly appreciated.
SKILLS: Event Planning/project management
TIME COMMITMENT: 5+ hours as needed
TIMING: Year round/Flexible
LOCATION: iSPACE or at volunteer's home to plan, and presence at event.
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Special Events Volunteer
DETAILS: iSPACE has special events throughout the year, such as iSPACE Day, that need volunteer help. Some events are smaller (such as an evening Girls in STEM event) or larger (like iSPACE Day, Science Olympiad, Pi Day, etc.). Any help with these events is greatly appreciated.
SKILLS: Event Planning/project management
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Year round/Flexible
LOCATION: At event location (often iSPACE)
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
FACILITY IMPROVEMENT VOLUNTEERS:
ROLE: AV Tech Support
DETAILS: We will be planning to purchase new AV equipment for one of our programs this fall. Input needed on what system to purchase, help needed on installing it and then ongoing tech support needed.
SKILLS: Technical
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Year Round
LOCATION: iSPACE
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
ROLE: Weeding/Plant Care
DETAILS: The new iSPACE location has A LOT of plant beds with weeds and plants/shrubs that need tending. Volunteers would be weeding as needed and/or taking care of plants (dead-heading, trimming, dividing, etc.).
SKILLS: Gardening
TIME COMMITMENT: 1+ hours, as frequently as desired/needed.
TIMING: Year round/Flexible
LOCATION: iSPACE
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps. Have additional questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
iSPACE SUMMER CAMP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Make an impact by helping others explore STEM! The summer months are just around the corner, and we invite you to be part of our dynamic volunteer team.
iSPACE, the STEM Learning Place, makes learning exciting. We provide engaging Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs to camp participants to help them build confidence and interest in STEM knowledge and STEM-related careers. Our innovative camps empower participants to engage in active, hands-on problem solving and team-based projects exploring robotics, rocketry, and more. This helps participants to build the skills and confidence they’ll need in the future as they join the workforce with careers in manufacturing, technology, research, health care, and other STEM-related fields.
Click below to complete your volunteer application. Once received, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you regarding the next steps.
Have questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
To volunteer at iSPACE for our Summer Camp an individual must:
> Be 14 years of age as of June 1st
> Like working with children age 5 to 15 years old
>Be able to commit to an entire week of camp (may work more than one week but must be available for the entire week scheduled)
>Be able to attend necessary trainings prior to start of camp (Date and time will be provided prior to acceptance)
>Be able to follow directions
>Be aware of surroundings and follow basic health and safety guidelines provided by organization
>Must be professional
>Must model appropriate behavior
>Interest in STEM is a plus!
Volunteers serve in a variety of capacities during the day at iSPACE. The main areas are “Program,” “General,” and “Housekeeping.” Below are some of the typical types of activities our volunteers may be asked to complete.
Housekeeping:
General Cleaning, wiping off lunch/work tables, disinfecting supplies/equipment, vacuuming rooms
Program:
Interacting with campers and encouraging participants to take part in camp activities, preparing room (moving tables, arranging chairs, setting up supplies), assisting during programs (handing out materials, keeping participants on track), preparing LEGO robots (building or taking apart). If interested, help create a camp video. Have questions about volunteering at iSPACE? Please contact us at info@ispacestem.org
iSPACE STUDENT VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Award Levels
The iSPACE Volunteer Award Program celebrates student-led service through three levels of recognition:
* Bronze Award: 50 hours of volunteer service
* Silver Award: 75 hours of volunteer service
* Gold Award: 100+ hours of volunteer service
Requirements for All Levels:
* 14 Years Old or Entering High School
* Hours must be completed within one calendar year, beginning September 1st
* Volunteer work must be completed at iSPACE events or summer camps
* Participation must be fully student-initiated.
* Students are expected to:
> Sign up using their own email address
> Communicate directly with iSPACE staff
> Take responsibility for scheduling and follow-ups.
Note: iSPACE values parent support, but students must take the lead in their volunteer experience. This includes signing up with their own email and communicating directly with our team. Building independence, responsibility, and leadership is central to volunteering.
While we don’t reject applicants based on parent contact, students are required to become the primary point of communication after initial outreach.
Students must demonstrate commitment, punctuality, self-motivation, and a positive attitude—these qualities are valued as much as the number of hours. If a student’s participation does not meet these standards, iSPACE reserves the right to discontinue their
involvement in the program.
Volunteer hours at iSPACE may count toward school service requirements.
Recognition:
Bronze & Silver Awards: Certificate of Achievement
Gold Award: Certificate of Achievement
Formal presentation at an iSPACE event
iSPACE Gear
Presented to those who embody Mary Beth’s legacy of service—giving selflessly, uplifting others, and strengthening our community with generosity, humility, and joy. This is a special honor awarded annually to two outstanding student volunteers (one male and
one female OR two individuals regardless of gender).
Eligibility:
* Must be entering 9th grade through Senior year of college
* Must have volunteered at iSPACE during the year
* Can be awarded regardless of total hours completed
Selection Process:
* Nominated and chosen by iSPACE staff including educators, office staff and volunteer coordinators.
* Chosen based on Excellence of Volunteer Efforts
Award Includes:
* Certificate
Letter of Recommendation
* iSPACE Gear
* Formal presentation of an award at an iSPACE Event
