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Join Our Mission
We could not do the work we do without the generous and tireless support of volunteers. If you are interested in space and science, this is the place to be. We provide meaningful work for our volunteers that contribute directly to supporting our mission: to inspire, educate, connect, and advocate on behalf of the global space community.
We offer both long-term and short-term volunteer opportunities assisting our education, operations, development, communications and marketing teams either at Space Foundation world headquarters, our Washington, D.C., office or at the annual Space Symposium.
Space Foundation Discovery Center Opportunities
Space Foundation Discovery Center is comprised of the Northrop Grumman Science Center, which includes Science On a Sphere®; the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center, which includes the AGI Space Missions Simulation Laboratory and the Mars Robotics Laboratory; and the El Pomar Space Gallery, which features space artifacts and exhibits.
Space Foundation volunteer helps demonstrate Static Electricity.
Volunteer positions available:
Please reach out to Tori Rick, at [email protected] with your interest in volunteering and she will be in touch with you to start the conversation regarding volunteering with us.
- STEM Lab Volunteers - Volunteers that are interested in our STEM labs should reach out to Tori Rick, our Volunteer Program Manager to learn more about how this opportunity operates and trains for. We have two of our STEM labs operating currently. Our Mars Robotics Laboratory is one of them. In this lab you support inspiring the next generation of rover drivers on Mars. Through our technology we are able to teach guests what it would be like to drive a rover on Mars. We also have our Northrop Grumman Science on a Sphere lab. This area is where volunteers can present fantastic space and STEM themed shows such as a "Tour of the Solar System" and more.
- Docent in Space Foundation Discovery Center - This volunteer position entails greeting, and answering guests' questions, as well as helping to ensure the visitors are enjoying their visit. Docents must be friendly and enjoy working with guests of all age groups. Docents need to also be able to learn, retain and relate information (the information will be provided) and you must be able to interact comfortably with all guests. Docents will learn the labs that they enjoy working in and support both gallery and labs on any given volunteer shift. The labs really help to enhance the guests visit.
- Junior Docent Program - As a Junior Docent, you will volunteer your time to support the Space Foundation Discovery Center, sharing our space awareness message with visitors in our gallery and labs and at associated events, mainly our Summer of Discovery program.
Discovery Center volunteers may work as little as two four-hour shifts per month or a much as five days a week. Shifts are flexible and we will work with your schedule. Onsite and online training is provided.
New Volunteer Orientation will be on the THIRD Thursday of each month from 4:30–6:00 p.m. at the Discovery Center.
Year-Round Opportunities
We have a number of projects that require ongoing support with varying levels of time commitment ranging from just a few hours a month to weekly assignments. Projects include:
- Support our mission at offsite festivals, conferences and educational enterprises by representing, networking and doing outreach with other organizations investing in space.
- Supporting student groups, as well as public visitors of all ages in the many areas of the Discovery Center during both the normal day time hours, as well as evening and weekend events
Skill requirements and time commitments vary by project.
Benefits of Volunteering
By volunteering, you can:
- Have a positive impact on the exploration of space and the global benefits space provides
- Enhance your knowledge of space sectors, programs and organizations
- Integrate volunteering with your education, professional training or career advancement
- Meet and work with influential space leaders
- Earn recognition throughout the year with various incentives
Requirements to Volunteer
To volunteer with the Space Foundation, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old (younger than 18 see Junior Docent Program)
- Dress appropriately, in accordance with your particular job or activity
- Communicate clearly with the Space Foundation about your expectations - we are happy to be flexible with your schedule if you communicate with us
- Provide two or more references if you have not volunteered with us before
- Understand that the Volunteer Manager will evaluate your skills and preferences in order to place you in the best role
- Background check completed (we supply the link and information)
There may be additional requirements based on a particular job or activity.
Join Our Mission and Volunteer Today
For more information call 719.319.3678