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We are an ACS-affiliated nonprofit specifically focused on improving science accessibility across all demographics, guided by our mission of “science for everyone”. Our program offers middle school students across multiple northeastern states (NJ, NY, MA, MD, PA) the opportunity to join a year-long virtual mentorship program that culminates in a virtual science fair. The curriculum focuses on teaching students how to conduct sound scientific research through implementing a project of their own creation under the advisement of our mentors and online resources. We hope that the program lights a passion and curiosity for students in science, so they truly see its power in answering all types of fundamental questions. We are currently in need of volunteers to join our team to help us expand our efforts in recruiting diverse students to join the program and in mentoring those students on their projects during the year. All volunteer positions involve approximately 50 hours of service across a specific 6-month period. All positions will be conducted virtually as our organization offers all services through an online platform to schools. If interested, please fill out the below application so we learn a bit more about yourself and select which specific positions you are interested in applying for:

 

Student Recruiter

DESCRIPTION: This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about science and DEI focused outreach. A huge task for the Fair for Emerging Researchers is to find students to participate in the program, specifically aimed at including students of all demographics with diversity and inclusion as our core guiding principle. Students will be tasked with communicating with school stakeholders to garner sign-ups for the program via email and phone. Ideal recruitment volunteers have strong communication skills, charismatic dispositions, and a passion for science inclusion. 

EXPECTATIONS: Student recruiters will be expected to complete approximately 50 hours of service over the course of our recruitment season (May 2023-Oct 2023) as well as help with the actual science fair in March 2024. All recruitment volunteers must be able to meet one hour every other week during peak recruitment time. Outside of meeting times, volunteers are asked to work a minimum of 2-3 hrs/week on assigned task items. Tasks will involve:

  • Contacting target schools via email and following-up (60% of time)
  • Calling schools and teachers to confirm their involvement (20% of time)
  • Participate in planning and implementation of virtual science fair March of 2024 (20% of time)

Mentor Recruiter

DESCRIPTION: Volunteers in this position will contact various high schools, undergraduate and graduate organizations to actively recruit volunteers for serve as mentors apart of our virtual curriculum.  Mentor recruiters will work independently to monitor their progress as they contact various groups by recording their progress in a spreadsheet.  Recruiters should be outgoing, approachable, and think creatively to help recruit mentors for our program.  Recruiters will meet periodically with the mentorship director and FER director to communicate progress and discuss strategies for continued contact.

EXPECTATIONS: Mentor Recruiters will be expected to complete approximately 50 hours of service across our recruitment period (May 2023-Oct 2023) as well as help with the actual science fair in March 2024. All mentor recruiters must be able to meet virtually regularly (biweekly to monthly basis) during peak recruitment time. Outside of meeting times, volunteers are asked to work a minimum of 2-3 hrs/week on assigned task items. Tasks will involve:

  • Contacting target program via email and following-up (60% of time)
  • Researching optimal programs that would be interested in mentorship (20% of time)
  • Participate in planning and implementation of virtual science fair March of 2024 (20% of time)

Lead Mentor

DESCRIPTION: Lead Mentors are the individuals that facilitate all of the mentorship sessions. The primary responsibility of lead mentors is to lead mentorship sessions, which include both a 30 minute mentor training for highschool, undergrad and graduate mentors and a 45 minute mentoring sessions for 5th-8th grade students. They help build confidence both in the mentors and the students as they learn to navigate the scientific method through the development of novel science experiments. Lead Mentors introduce a session’s topic, review homework materials, and coordinate the movement of students into small groups for work with individual mentors. Each lead mentor will host a total of 6 sessions for a specific team of students based on their assigned afternoon of the week (Monday-Thursday after school sometime between 2pm-6pm). Ideal lead mentors have strong teaching skills/experience (e.g. tutoring/TAing) and a passion for science and working with children. 

EXPECTATIONS: Lead Mentors will be expected to complete approximately 50 hours of service across our mentorship period (Oct 2023-March 2024) as well as help with the actual science fair in March 2024. All mentor recruiters must be able to meet virtually during peak mentorship time. Tasks will involve:

  • Preparing for session presentations through practice sessions and individual review of curricular materials (20% of time)
  • Conducting and leading mentorship sessions (40% of time)
  • Editing and offering comments to resources (e.g. abstracts, project proposals) by students (20% of time)
  • Participate in planning and implementation of virtual science fair March of 2024 (20% of time)

Application

Please note that all answers are meant to be brief responses. This application should take 20-30 minutes. We are excited to get to know you and talk in greater detail in person/over a call.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to syasin@umbc.edu

Our Vision

SCIENCE FOR EVERYONE

This vision gives us the foundation we need.