When you volunteer through WABS, you’re joining a network of people who are giving back so students can thrive. Use your time and talent to empower students to embrace their strengths, passions, and dreams — join our community of change makers.
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After School STEM Academy (grades 3-5) and Build Cool Stuff (grades 6-8) offer volunteers direct, hands-on experience working with students. Volunteers co-facilitate projects, promote career connected learning, and help students build 21st century skills. Meeting once per week, After School STEM Academy takes place over 4 weeks and Build Cool Stuff over 6-8 weeks. -
Family STEM Nights (FSN) are a series of two evening events during which families share a meal and work together to complete a guided STEM activity. FSN is supported by industry volunteers and hosted by Natural Leaders - a community of parents and caregivers who engage multicultural families through equity-focused discussions, events, and leadership initiatives. -
Want to volunteer but aren’t interested in working directly with kids and schools? Become a kit builder or operations volunteer! In this role, you can help put together STEM kits for after school programs, maintain an inventory of supplies, and other operational tasks as available. Like our other volunteer opportunities, WABS provides all necessary materials and training.
Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteer FAQ
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How do I choose which volunteer opportunity is right for me?
We have several volunteer opportunities available for people with various interests. The best way to choose the opportunity that is right for you is to ask yourself: What type of work do I enjoy doing and am most comfortable with?
- If the answer to this question is that you enjoy facilitating an activity and are comfortable working with elementary-aged students (grades 3-5), then we recommend that you try After School STEM Academy.
- If you prefer working with middle school-aged students, Build Cool Stuff would likely be the best place for you to contribute.
- Family STEM Nights bring together students, their families, and community members to access STEM career pathways through hands-on activities. If supporting this group through their activities and sharing your experience working in a STEM-related field, Family STEM Nights staff would love to have you!
Still unsure? No problem! You can submit a general interest volunteer form. We have other volunteer opportunities and tasks available such as building supply kits, organizing materials, assisting with builds, and more.
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How much time do volunteers usually commit to each semester?
Volunteers typically dedicate approx. 15 hours of their time per program cycle. This includes travel time, instruction time, training sessions, and time to review required materials.
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What kind of training and resources do volunteers receive?
For all WABS programs, there will be a mandatory training session. During this training, you will receive information about your role, the impact you will have on the communities you are serving, an overview of STEM and Social Emotional Learning, tips and tricks on how to be an effective facilitator, a curriculum review, etc. All resources and materials - including facilitation guides, student workbooks, and supply kits - will be provided by WABS. Our team will be available for ongoing support.
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Can I choose the location of where I volunteer?
We do our best to assign volunteers to the district and school(s) of their choosing and will take your geographic location into consideration to ensure you are set up for success during your time with us. WABS volunteers are required to be on-site during their scheduled volunteer shifts.
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I need to complete volunteer hours for school, etc. Can someone from WABS sign my volunteer form?
Yes, of course! Please email your form to volunteer@wabsalliance.org for assistance.
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My friend/coworker/sister/cousin/etc. wants to volunteer too. Can they?
Yes! Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to invite the people in their sphere to volunteer as well. They can register as a volunteer by completing the same volunteer registration form that you have, or by emailing volunteer@wabsalliance.org. Please note that all volunteers must submit to a background check prior to being approved.
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A group of my friends, coworkers, etc. wants to volunteer with me. Can we volunteer together?
Awesome, and probably! Please email volunteer@wabsalliance.org to register your group. Please note that all volunteers must submit to a background check prior to being approved.
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Who should I contact with questions?
Please email volunteer@wabsalliance.org with questions.
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Where can I learn more about WABS programs?
You can learn more about our programs by visiting the programs page on the WABS website.
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I’d like to help students, but don’t have time to volunteer right now. How else can I support WABS?
Thank you! We appreciate your support, which can be provided through our donations page.
Why Volunteer?
Compared with people who never volunteer, the odds of being “very happy” rise 7% among those who volunteer monthly, 12% for people who volunteer every two to four weeks, and 16% for weekly volunteers —a hike in happiness comparable to having an income of $75,000–$100,000 versus $20,000.
- Western Connecticut State University
