Teen Volunteer

Teen Volunteer Opportunities

• Teen Leadership Program

  Take part in an exciting semester-long program where teens combine hands-on guest engagement at the museum with mentorship and daily learning opportunities. This program is designed to help participants develop essential career skills while gaining a behind-the-scenes understanding of how the Science Museum operates.

  2026 Fall semester application opens July 17.

  Eligibility & Participation Requirements

  Please submit an application if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • Training Availability: You can attend the required initial training on August 29.
  • Age Requirement: You are 15–18 years old, or at least a rising sophomore in high school.
  • Schedule Commitment: You must commit to 8 shifts over 16 weeks(September 5–December 20). Shifts will be scheduled biweekly on Saturdays or Sundays.
  • Reliability: You are able to arrive on time, communicate scheduling conflicts in advance, and meet expectations throughout the program.

  How Applications Are Evaluated

  Because this is a competitive program, each application is reviewed holistically. We evaluate:

  • Communication Skills
    Your ability to express yourself clearly, thoughtfully, and respectfully in writing. We look for complete responses, attention to detail, and meaningful reflection.
  • Motivation & Proactivity
    Why you want to participate, what drives you, and how you take initiative. We value applicants who show curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to contribute.
  • Commitment to Professional Growth
    Your interest in building new skills, engaging with feedback, and developing as a leader throughout the semester.
  • Working With Others
    Your ability to collaborate, listen, and contribute to a team. We look for examples of cooperation, respect for diverse perspectives, and a readiness to support peers and staff in a shared learning environment.

  Applications close July 31.

• On-Going Teen Volunteer Opportunities

  If you're passionate about STEM and looking for an opportunity to make science more inspiring for our guests review the requirements for our on-going Teen Volunteer Program.

  • Must be between 14–17 years of age
  • Able to commit to 4 hour shifts

  Current Roles

  • Gallery Education Volunteer
  • Dome Usher
    • Shift times: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1–3:30 p.m.

  Interested in learning more? Complete our interest form or email [email protected] for details.

  Ready to apply? Complete the Teen Volunteer Application now! Applications close May 2.

• Summer Camp Science Guide Volunteer Opportunity

  Join us for a summer of science, learning and leadership!

  Are you a high school student passionate about both STEM and working with kids? Join the Science Museum as a Summer Camp Science Guide! Gain hands-on experience in education, leadership and communication while engaging young campers (ages 6–12) in exciting STEM activities.

  Why Volunteer?

  • Develop leadership and public speaking skills
  • Assist with hands-on STEM activities
  • Build experience in teaching, museums and nonprofits
  • Have fun while inspiring the next generation of scientists

  New for this year, teens interested in volunteering during the school year must serve as a Summer Camp Science guide for at least one session.

  Summer Camp Science Guide duties include:

  • Creating a welcoming, friendly and supportive environment for campers 
  • Ensuring campers’ safety 
  • Acting as a role model and mentor
  • Facilitating games
  • Assisting camp staff with daily activities
  • Presenting science content in a camp setting
  • Helping set up before and cleaning up after activities
  • Solving problems
  • Communicating well camp counselors
  • Organizing materials
  • Other duties as assigned

  Qualifications

  • High school student (ages 14–18)
  • Outgoing, patient, creative and enthusiastic
  • Interest in STEM and working with children
  • Ability to take and follow direction and adhere to museum policies
  • Enjoy learning new information and sharing it in an age-appropriate, interesting, accurate, fun and educational manner. 
  • Demonstrate maturity, common sense, flexibility and reliability. 
  • Ability to work independently while following supervisor’s instructions and guidance.
  • Able to commit to approximately 150 hours over the summer
  • Provide their own transportation to and from the Science Museum of Virginia

  Required Training

  All volunteers must attend mandatory training with our Camp Counselors:

  • June 3–5, 2026

  Commitment

  Volunteers must commit to at least one full camp session. Each session is three weeks long and includes full-day shifts:

  Shift Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday

  2026 Camp Sessions

  • Session 1: June 9–June 26
  • Session 2: June 29–July 17
  • Session 3: July 20–August 7

  Volunteers are welcome to commit to more than one session if their schedule allows.

  Bonus Opportunity

  Volunteers who complete one full session may also participate in Camp Clean-Up Week August 10–14. A volunteer appreciation event will be held at the end of this week.

  Applications close April 6! Questions? Contact jared Strawderman at [email protected] or 804.864.1514

  Apply Now