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 fill out the Volunteer Interest Form.
STEAM COACHES - DIRECTORY RESOURCE
Time Commitment: as needed, virtually
Be featured as a STEAM Coach on the STEAM Coach Directory on our MESA Everyday student website! You will be added to the page with a headshot of your choice, and students will be able to reach out to you directly via email or book a virtual meeting on your calendar. You will be a resource for students to ask questions about your college path and, if applicable, your experience entering the workforce. You may ask to be removed at any time. Fill out our commitment form if you are interested!
STEAM COACHES - IN CHAPTER
Time Commitment: 2-4 hours per month
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. Fill out our commitment form if you are interested!
SPEAKERS - HONORARIUM PROVIDED
Time Commitment: 3-5 hours, varies based on speaking opportunities
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, varies based on event
Judges will be recruited for Demo Day in January and in April for MESA Day 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. Fill out the volunteer interest form to sign up!
FAMILY CONNECTORS
Time Commitment: 2-5 hours
Family Connectors will help us reach out to families and students. They help us plan family nights at local schools, engage in school recruitment, and ensure accessibility for student participation in MESA events. Sometimes a phone call makes a huge difference. Having multi-language skills is a plus! Reach out to ormesa.engagement@gmail.com if you are interested.
INTERPRETERS AND TRANSLATORS
Time Commitment: 2-5 hours
Interpreters and translators help us make our events accessible by translating and live-interpreting. We are looking for fluent speakers in the following languages: Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Cantonese, Korean, and Somali. Reach out to our Outreach and Engagement Coordinator Valentina at vlondon@pdx.edu if you are interested!
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. Sign up on our volunteer interest form!
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.