Which position should I apply for?

That’s up to you! If you enjoy working with children and being a mentor, apply to become a Counselor in Training. If you like working with all different types of people, the Exhibit Guide program is right for you.

How old do I have to be to apply?

Our program is designed for teens who are 15-17 years old. Applicants must be at least 15 years of age by June 18, 2023 to be considered for the program. No exceptions will be made. Our teen volunteers need to be mature and dependable. They need to be self-starters who are comfortable with and capable of volunteering with minimal supervision from our staff.

Can I come with my child when they volunteer?

No. The Da Vinci Science Center places a high degree of trust in our summer volunteers. We enjoy seeing our volunteers branch out on their own to interact with visitors. In our program, many teens complete their first-ever interview, learn what it’s like to have to maintain a schedule and let a supervisor know if they can’t come in, develop public speaking skills, etc. They do that best when given the chance to learn by doing on their own!

Should I apply for both positions?

No. Pick your top choice. Submit your application only for that position. On your application, you will be able to indicate a second-choice position.

Am I guaranteed a spot in the program if I submit an application?

No. We typically receive more applications for each position than we have spots. Please keep this in mind when you complete your application. It is your introduction to us before we ever have a chance to meet you. We expect to see thoughtful answers crafted in complete sentences! It is expected that the candidate-not their parent-completes the application.

Is there a fee to participate in the program?

No. There is no fee to participate.

Do I need to interview for the program?

Yes. We will be conducting group interviews with selected applicants in May. All interviews will take place at Da Vinci Science Center. Please keep in mind that we do not always interview every candidate. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.

Do I need to attend both interviews?

No. You are only required to attend one of the interview sessions. You will be asked for interview availability on your application.

Can I come with my child when they interview?

No. We want your teen to take the initiative when coming in for their interview. We understand that for many teens this is their first interview experience– which is why we make the interview process fun! We are looking for independent and confident volunteers who enjoy being part of a team.

When will I find out if I’ve been selected for the program?

We will email everyone by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 26. You will have until 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 1 to let us know if you’ve chosen to participate in the program. If you decline, we will notify one of the alternates.

Why would someone not be selected for the program?

We wish we could accept everyone for our volunteer program. We typically say no to someone volunteering at our facility for one of the following reasons:

• They have limited availability and thus would not meet the schedule requirements of the program they applied for.
• They seem uncomfortable talking to people. We realize many teens are nervous during their interviews. However, we look for potential volunteers who seem excited about the possibility of volunteering and want to learn.
• We get the impression that the parent wants their child to volunteer but the child doesn’t seem interested. We are looking for volunteers who are genuinely interested in helping out.

I have a conflict during the scheduled training. Can I make up training at a different time?

No. We cannot train volunteers individually. If you cannot attend the designated training dates, then unfortunately you will not be able to participate this year. We scheduled these dates to avoid most exam schedules and typical early summer vacation conflicts.