Volunteer Opportunities
Judge at the STEM Fair (2025)
Who: Scientists, engineers, researchers, medical professionals, college students, or anyone with a STEM background
When: Friday, February 28th, 2025
9:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: RCTC Sports Center, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Description: Offer feedback to 3-4 middle or high school students about their projects. Many students report that their favorite part of the STEM Fair experience is presenting their work to knowledgeable adults. Lunch will be provided at 12:30 PM.
More than 150 judges are needed at the STEM Fair. If you know you will attend, we encourage you to invite your colleagues. Thank you to all of our new and returning judges!
General Volunteer at the STEM Fair (2025)
Who: Any adults
Thursday 2/27 (Set up): 5:00-7:00 PM
Where: RCTC Sports Center, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Description: Set up tables, chairs, table numbers, etc.
Friday 2/28 (Day of Fair)
Shifts: 8:30-9:45 AM / 9:45 AM - 1:00 PM / 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Lunch will be provided at 12:30 PM.
Where: RCTC Sports Center, 851 30th Ave SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Description: Check in judges and students, take down and clean space
Tuesday 3/4 (Awards Ceremony)
4-6 hours of advance planning for the Awards Ceremony event on March 4th
Where: Dakota Middle School, 5501 65th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Description: Ensuring that all awards are assigned, all certificates are printed, and any physical prizes are organized
STEM Mentor (2024-25)
Who: Scientists, engineers, researchers, medical professionals, college students, or anyone with a STEM background
When: October 2024 - February 2025
Online: Flexible hours, 3-5 hours per month
In-Person: Every other week, 3:30-5:00 PM on Tuesdays or Wednesdays
Description: Mentor 2-4 middle or high school students as they complete their STEM Fair projects. Help your mentees brainstorm ideas, navigate a project, and communicate their findings. This program is facilitated by Oraculi, a local non-profit organization.
Past Opportunities
We connect youth with supportive adults year round. Please reach out if you would like to partner with the STEM Fair.
Scientific Review Committee (SRC)
Who: Scientists, engineers, researchers, medical professionals, college students, or anyone with a STEM background
When: Attend one or more meetings
October 12, 1-5 PM (In person at the STEM Fair Social at One Discovery Square. )
October 23, 5:30-7:00 PM (In person at Northrop Community Education Center)
November 6, 5:30-7:00 PM (Virtual)
November 20, 5:30-7:00 PM (In person at Northrop Community Education Center)
Description: Provide feedback about high school students' project plans and evaluate potential risks. Past volunteers have enjoyed directly interacting with students and providing advice early in their project process.
Women in STEM Panelist
Who: Female scientists, engineers, researchers, medical professionals, college students, or anyone with a STEM background
Description: Answer questions from high school students about your professional experiences. Time is included to socialize with students and eat dinner.
Workshop Facilitator
Who: Scientists, engineers, researchers, medical professionals, college students, or anyone with a STEM background
Description: Lead an activity or give a presentation to 10 high school students. The activity should in some way excite students about working on a science or engineering project. Past topics include "Brainstorming Project Topics" and "How to (and How Not to) Use ChatGPT"
Friends of the STEM Fair
Who: Any adults
When: Monthly meetings
Where: Northrop Community Education Center, 201 8th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Description: Friends of the STEM Fair is a team of adults who volunteer their time to support the students, science teachers, and volunteers who participate in the STEM Fair. They help with the behind-the-scenes work that makes these experiences possible, including event planning, volunteer recruitment, and fundraising.