There are a number of volunteer opportunities for those currently undertaking STEM projects AND those who have gone on to University and beyond to support the engagement and inspiration of young people with science and technology and their implications.
If you are interested in any of the volunteer opportunities then please follow the links below or contact the Volunteer Development Team representative, Ellie Chambers [1]
Young People’s Programme Volunteer Opportunities
13-19 year olds
- CREST Youth Panel
The CREST Youth Panel is a select group of CREST Award holders (aged 13-19) who meet twice a year at large science events across the UK to reflect and input into the CREST scheme's projects and those of our partners. The panel consists of around 25 students from across the UK. Interested students need to nominate themselves for the volunteer opportunity and can do so here:
www.britishscienceassociation.org/crestyouthpanel [2]
CREST Youth Panel Member details [3]
18 year olds +
- CREST Teacher Advisory Network
Teachers who are experienced or new to CREST are invited to become a voluntary member of our CREST Teacher Advisory Network.
The network aims for teachers to engage with, and input into, the CREST scheme in a way that can contribute to their own professional development. Their feedback and input will help to deliver an Award scheme that supports teachers and understands the education and STEM landscape of the schools it engages with. Teachers on the network will be able to offer as much or little time as they are able in line with their other commitments. There will be opportunities for members to offer to attend stakeholder and other meetings throughout the year.
For more information about the network please e-mail: crest@britishscienceassociation.org [4]
- Mentoring CREST projects
There are often local opportunities for those studying or working in STEM subjects to help support secondary schools and clubs with project work. This could be as simple as giving an inspiring talk or introduction to an investigation, getting hands on with a club activity and learning new communication skills up to offering a short 2-4 week work placement at your organisation for a young person to experience a STEM subject in a working environment.We offer advice and guidance as to how to get involved with mentoring projects and how CREST can support you. Opportunities are managed mainly through the STEM ambassador scheme, but also through your local CREST coordinators organisation directly.
If you would like to know more, or find out who your local contact is, please contact:
crest@britishscienceassociation.org [4] for secondary mentoring
- The British Science Festival
The British Science Festival has a schools programme element for Key Stage 2-5 each year, run by an external partner. The aim is to provide students with the opportunity to meet scientists, ask them questions and debate hot topics with them, or get their hands onto real science problems.
Although not coordinated by the Association, there may be opportunities for volunteers local to the event to help with the schools programme, and we would be happy to put you in touch with the Schools Programme organisers.
There are sometimes opportunities to support CREST star clubs in primary schools and groups dealing with 7-12 year olds. please e-mail creststar@britishscienceassociation [6] for more advice about how to get involved.
Don't forget, there are also other opportunities to volunteer through the National Science + Engineering Competition [7]