Women in Science & Engineering (WiSE) Outreach Volunteer

Queen’s WiSE is a student-run organization committed to promoting and advocating for the involvement of all women in STEM. Our mission has always been to inspire, educate, and collaborate to promote & accelerate diversity in STEM industries. As an outreach volunteer, you will have the opportunity to get involved in our outreach initiatives and inspire the next generation of women in STEM.

Volunteer Role Descriptions:

1. Outreach Events

Badge Day is a full-day event held on a Saturday or Sunday during the winter semester, where we invite Girl Guides from the Kingston community, grades 4-8, to participate in a variety of engaging STEM experiments and activities. The goal of the event is to introduce participants to different areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through interactive, hands-on learning. By working alongside volunteers and exploring exciting experiments, participants will build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and discover the many opportunities that STEM has to offer in a fun and supportive environment. The time commitment for this role is 1-2 hours a week, with the exception of 8 hours on event day. *Tentative date: February 27th*

EngSci Day is a full-day outreach event, where we welcome elementary school girls in grade 1-6 from the community to explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through a variety of interactive, hands-on experiments and activities, participants will learn about different STEM fields and the role of women in STEM. The goal of the event is to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and encourage young girls to see themselves pursuing future opportunities in STEM. EngSci Day is offered twice each academic year, with one event held on a Saturday or Sunday during the fall semester and another during the winter semester. The time commitment for this role is 1-2 hours a week, with the exception of 8 hours on event days. *Tentative dates: November 21st and March 6th*

As a volunteer for this event, you will be responsible for:

• Getting a vulnerable sector police check as soon as you are hired for this position (must be submitted before volunteering at the events and volunteers will be responsible for the fee associated with the police check).
• Assisting with the setup and takedown of the event, including preparing activity stations and organizing materials.
• Planning, preparing, and leading STEM experiments alongside other volunteers.
• Encouraging a fun, inclusive, and well-managed environment where participants feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas.
• Supporting participants throughout the activities by answering questions, providing guidance, and ensuring everyone is actively engaged and included.

2. Elementary School Outreach Volunteer
The Elementary School Outreach Program is a biweekly STEM outreach initiative for girls in Grades 4 to 6 at Winston Churchill Elementary School and École Catholique Cathédrale in Kingston (both within walking distance of Queen's campus). Student volunteers visit each school every other week during the student's lunch to lead engaging science and engineering activities during lunch and recess, including hands-on experiments and design challenges, with the goal of fostering curiosity, confidence, and interest in STEM. The time commitment is 1.5 hours every other week.

As a volunteer for this event, you will be responsible for:

• Getting a vulnerable sector police check as soon as you are hired for this position (must be submitted before volunteering and volunteers will be responsible for the fee associated with the police check).
• Assisting with the setup and takedown at the schools, including preparing activity stations and organizing materials.
• Planning, preparing, and leading STEM experiments alongside other volunteers.
• Encouraging a fun, inclusive, and well-managed environment where participants feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas.
• Supporting participants throughout the activities by answering questions, providing guidance, and ensuring everyone is actively engaged and included.

3. Highschool Outreach Volunteer

The High School Outreach Program aims to encourage high school girls to explore opportunities and career pathways in STEM. Student volunteers will help facilitate two workshops throughout the academic year, one in the fall and one in the winter, which introduces students to a variety of STEM programs and degree pathways.

Volunteers will also serve as mentors through our mentorship program, connecting with their mentees, on a biweekly basis, for guided conversations using provided prompts. In addition, volunteers will help plan and facilitate our main event, “Day in the Life,” where high school students are invited to campus to explore labs, participate in hands-on experiments, and hear from graduate students and professors about their experiences and pathways in STEM. This event is planned to take place in early January.

As a volunteer for this program, you will be responsible for:

• Getting a vulnerable sector police check as soon as you are hired for this position (must be submitted before volunteering at the events and volunteers will be responsible for the fee associated with the police check).
• Participating in the High School Outreach mentorship program and meeting with assigned mentees biweekly. Lead mentorship conversations using provided discussion prompts and resources.
• Assisting with the planning and preparation of the “Day in the Life” event and supporting hands-on experiments and activities.
• Encouraging a fun, inclusive, and well-managed environment where participants feel comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas.
• Helping facilitate campus tours and lab experiences for visiting high school students.
• Assisting with the setup and takedown of the event, including preparing activity stations and organizing materials.
• Participating in and speaking at virtual webinars to share your experiences and insights about pursuing STEM at university.

Applications are due on September 28th at 11:59 PM EST. Interviews will be held between September 30th to October 3rd through Zoom.