Volunteer

With the right network of support, our youth are capable of unlocking solutions to the world’s toughest problems, such as eliminating poverty and disease, conserving finite resources, and creating renewable energy sources.

When you volunteer with Oregon MESA, we are able to expand our service areas, extend our programming and offer life-changing opportunities to more students.

For companies and organizations looking for deeper involvement, please learn more through our FY23 Corporate Engagement Booklet.

Volunteer Opportunities

To volunteer, read our volunteer opportunities below and please fill out the Volunteer Interest Form.

MESA MENTORS

Time Commitment: 2-8 hours weekly

Mentors work with a teacher (MESA Advisor) to run a chapter of 6-12th grade student inventors at MESA schools. They support students with long-term invention projects, research curriculum activities for MESA Advisors, and serve as a point of contact between Oregon MESA and their chapters.

STEM CAREER COACHES

Time Commitment: 2 hours bi-weekly

STEM Career Coaches are professionals and college students that serve in a traditional mentorship capacity to MESA students. They will host informal meetings to answer questions and provide insight into their field, guide career/college planning and exploration, and provide homework help as needed.

SPEAKERS

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours

Speakers will present on and talk with students and/or the MESA audience about a STEM or equity related topic. Speakers can operate in one of three different capacities:

Featured Speaker: Will share their personal story related to their career, business, and/or research.
Tour Guide: Will showcase their office/lab through a recorded or live experience.
Workshop Leader: Will prepare a guided STEM activity for MESA students.

Tour guides and workshop leaders can volunteer on behalf of themselves or their company/organization, and can work in teams to present. If you know someone who would make a fantastic MESA speaker, please introduce us to them! Email our Outreach & Engagement Coordinator at vlondon@pdx.edu.

JUDGES

Time Commitment: 3-5 hours

Judges will be recruited for various events to score student competition entries. They are STEM experts, educators, and/or MESA partners. All judges will receive training prior to the event on the scoring tool.

FAMILY CONNECTORS

Time Commitment: 2-5 hours

Family Connectors will help us reach out to families and students. Sometimes a phone call makes a huge difference. Having multi-language skills is a plus!

MESA CHAMPIONS

Time Commitment: 1-2 hours

The MESA Champion is someone who supports MESA's mission, spreads the word about MESA, and forges connections. They will share all MESA email and social media communications to their networks, and connect potential students, teachers, and volunteers to MESA staff. Volunteer opportunities for Champions include our Regional Equity Committees or MESA Advisory Board.

Want to help, but not sure what fits? Sign-up anyway! We'll reach out and work with you to find a role that fits! Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form and reach out to ormesa@pdx.edu if you have any questions.

Help Oregon MESA thrive

Our success depends on a passionate community of supporters who believe in our commitment to equity in STEM education. Join us as a volunteer, mentor, donor, or other supporter.

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