Education

Volunteer in Education

SERC's Education Program accepts volunteers 18 years of age and older in cohorts twice a year, once in late Winter/early Spring and once in Summer. If you are interested, please contact McDonaldK@si.edu.

Join our volunteer team!

Interested in teaching students but not an educator? No worries! Even if you've never taught before, all you need is a passion for working with young learners and being outside. We'll teach you all the basics, how to teach and manage groups, and SERC science. There are field trip leaders and helpers, canoe guides and helpers, and those that assist with special events and outreach events.There's a role for everyone! Volunteers also enjoy field trips, lunch n' learns with scientists, training opportunities, behind the scenes tours, holiday gatherings, and other activities. 

 

If you are not interested in working with students, we also have opportunities for:

  • Office work
  • Aquarium tank maintenance
  • Trail maintenance
  • Gardening
  • and more!
SERC Volunteers at Appreciation Event
SERC Volunteers posing for a photo at the 2024 Volunteer Appreciation

The programs in Education are only open to those 18 years of age or older, and you must volunteer at least twice a month. Most volunteering will take place on weekdays.

To see if SERC is a good fit for you, fill out and submit a SERC Education Volunteer Application to get the process started! We will need to set up an initial interview, and then you may volunteer one day as a station helper. After that, if you are chosen as a volunteer, and you choose to continue, you will then start your background paperwork and 3 month/week trial period. We start cohorts of volunteers in Summer and Winter to be ready for the Spring and Fall Seasons.

Give back to your local community by helping students learn about and appreciate the Bay. 

Other benefits of volunteering at SERC:

  • Deepen your knowledge about the Chesapeake Bay and SERC science and research
  • Receive volunteer training and continuing educational experiences on a team known for its strong sense of community, mutual support, and meet world class scientists
  • Enjoy the benefits at other Smithsonian facilities/events in DC
  • Enjoy additional benefits such as 20% discount at all Smithsonian Stores, 30% off at Smithsonian eateries, a Smithsonian Library card, and more!

To learn more about Education Volunteer opportunities, please contact Karen McDonald at mcdonaldk@si.edu or fill out the SERC Education Volunteer Application above.