What We Do
The NCI Education and Outreach Program (EOP) seeks to enhance STEM experiences for K-12 students in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, while providing NCI staff and fellows the opportunity to participate in various science outreach and teaching activities.
Types of Activities
Activities range from sharing education and research experiences with middle and high school students to providing professional development workshops to teachers. We also regularly participate in annual events such as NIH Take-Your-Child-To-Work-Day and the National STEM Festival.
Career Day: Visit classrooms to discuss your current research experience with students of all ages.
Science Night: Provide science activities that encourage excitement for STEM for Title 1 elementary and middle schools.
Seminar Series: Discuss your research, career path, or other science related topics in a short presentation followed by a Q&A session.
Assist in the Classroom: Support students and teachers with hands-on activities in the classroom.
Teaching Opportunities: Develop and present workshops to students about relevant topics
Why Volunteer?
Volunteers develop their skills in science communication, teaching, mentoring, leadership and program management while giving back to their community, improving science literacy, increasing enthusiasm for STEM, and promoting careers in biomedical research.
Enhance your science communication skills: Opportunities range from sharing your education and research experiences with middle and high school students to providing professional development workshops for teachers.
Gain experiential learning: Volunteers can gain valuable experience and insight into program management and science outreach careers by both organizing and participating in outreach events.
Give back to the community: Support science education for youth in the D.C. - Maryland - Virginia area. Volunteers can support an understanding of scientific principles and inspire future scientists.
Flexible time commitments: There are no specific requirements for commitment, however we do ask that you participate in at least one to two events per calendar year. Activities occur throughout the year, with the greatest number occurring from October to May. The time commitment can range from attendance at a one-time event for 1-2hrs, to participating in mentoring students throughout a research project throughout the school year.
If you are interested in participating, please subscribe to our listserv to stay informed about upcoming volunteer opportunities and events.