• There are decreasing numbers of people entering science related fields. If you want your field to exist in twenty years, you need to get the next generation excited about it!
  
  
• The best way to change the image people hold of scientists is to let them meet scientists! Kids think scientists are white, elderly or middle-aged males who wear white coats and glasses. Kids think scientists work alone and work only with dangerous experiments. They also think scientists must be geniuses and have a limited social life. Does this fit you? Change their perception!
  
  
• Get people interested in science so that society will value your job. You want people to see what you do as important. This way they will vote to fund your work. Besides, the child you impact may one day own a company that hires you!
  
  
• You have unique subject matter knowledge. As a scientist active in research, you have an intimate knowledge of certain aspects of science. It is your responsibility to share that! Who else can?
  
  
• You have the chance to model inquiry. Science is rarely done the way it appears in class. Experiments don't always work and you don't necessarily have a formulated process to use. That is what makes science challenging and fun. Inquiry involves doing science both hands-on and minds-on, like you do in the lab. This is your chance to show that to students and get them excited.
  
  
• Be a role model! Who else is a better role model for students interested in science than a scientist? Students need to see people like them doing what they want to do.
  
  
• Share your enthusiasm for science. Obviously you love science, since you agreed to many years of graduate study. Share that with students. Their excitement will help keep your fire for science lit if research starts to get you down!
  
  
• It is a great resume builder. Are you interested in teaching at some point? Here is some instant practice! Also, companies look for community service. Some of the drug companies we have spoken with require it of their employees. Some of the scientists that helped us in the past noticed that their interviewers (for a job) were extremely interested in the outreach they did!
  
  
• Everyone benefits. Teachers learn from you and you from them. The kids get to meet a scientist. Besides, if you can explain your research to a 7 year-old, you can explain it to anyone! You develop a greater understanding of what you are doing in the broad sense and improve your communication skills!
  
  
• It's your privilege. CERSP believes in providing you with a unique experience that includes "participation in educational and outreach activities" (excerpt from CERSP grant). NSF finds K-12 outreach of increasing importance. CERSP, and your advisor, support K-12 outreach. We do not seek to replace your research but to enhance it!

Now what?
Find out about the different ways you can volunteer by choosing "Ways to Volunteer" from the menu on the left. If you already know what you would like to do then either send an e-mail to Dr. Bellamy or use our online form!