What are some good ways to get involved in STEM related volunteering?

lot of communities are either starting up small nonprofits -- or existing community centers are creating new spaces -- where community members can learn technical skills; have access to pooled equipment like computers with fancy software, video cameras/production equipment, 3D printers, wood/metal shop equipment; and/or provide tech-related after school activities.

These tend to be pretty small scale operations -- so your best bet to find them is checking out local community announcements, the local paper, postings in your library, or your town's webpage. But here's the sort of thing you might be able to find:

Look for a local hackerspace or makerspace. Or check your public library -- offering a digital commons room is a quickly building trend in a lot of them. Often these groups look for volunteers to help monitor the room/equipment, or to help out with community workshops.
A lot of organizations also offer low-level technical and computer training in -- check your local library, job training/economic development nonprofits, homeless shelters that offer training services in your area. Often they need either a person to help facilitate classes, or for low-level classes, they will provide a curriculum and train you to teach others.
A lot of schools -- or, again, libraries -- partner with community organizations to provide STEM-related afterschool activities (especially to encourage girls to participate in technology projects). Often there are local volunteer opportunities to help with robotics competitions, code camps, and other kid-friendly activities.

Hi Samuel, how great to hear that you have a strong interest in helping inspire other students in STEM related fields! I think we can all look back and identify people in our lives who have helped guide us, provide meaningful advice, and encourage us in the right direction. Volunteering (in any capacity) is noble in its own right. By also making sure that you understand what flexibility/availability you have in your schedule, you can make your volunteering have the most impact for you and the groups you'll work with!

So what are ways you can give back?
- One huge organization that comes to mind is FIRST robotics. High schools all over the nation participate in this. Consider reaching out to a few high schools to see which are already involved.
- I came across a great Maryland STEM organization and they have a few upcoming events related to STEM. Check our their site for more information (http://www.stemaction.org). There are two info sessions you might be interested in attending (which go over how to start a group but will also have individuals looking for volunteers). FIRST LEGO League Team meets August 10 & Starting a FIRST Tech Challenge Team: July 20 and August 17 (USRA STEMaction Center, 7178 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046)
- I'm aware of many universities and colleges that have STEM programs to help inspire K-12 audiences. I am sure if you reach out to the engineering departments of your local college/university they can share with you what programs are already taking place.
- Search Allforgood.org, a national database of volunteer opportunities. Use your zip code to see STEM organizations in your area. Then you can reach out to see what ways you can volunteer on the weekend (via on going opportunities) or brainstorm new opportunities that fit your schedule (a little bit of a creative approach).
- There is also virtual volunteering. You could consider serving as a (near peer) mentor via CareerVillage to other students!

I hope look forward to hearing if any of this advice was helpful. Feel free to reach out to me directly!

http://stem-works.com/about