Are you looking for a fun and exciting volunteer experience where you can learn new skills, make new friends, and go behind the scenes of a world-class museum? Then OMSI's Rising Stars youth volunteer program is for you!

OMSI offers two training options for youth volunteers (ages 14-18): Rising Stars sessions during the summer - and during the school year. Both options feature plenty of interaction with visitors, hands-on science, and ongoing support for a stimulating and rewarding volunteer experience. As a volunteer at OMSI, you'll gain valuable workplace experience while you fulfill school community service requirements, add to your resume, and learn leadership skills. And you can even stay on at OMSI as a regular volunteer after you finish Rising Stars!

Rising Stars: summer sessions

Summer 2008: Application deadline May 1

OMSI's summer youth volunteer program is available in two six-week sessions, starting in mid-June or late July. You'll alternate between a classroom setting and direct experience on the museum floor, delivering exciting, hands-on science demonstrations for OMSI visitors. You'll even have the opportunity to develop your own science activity or demonstration. Teens gain customer service training, workplace skills, and up to 90 hours of volunteer service upon completion of the program. For more information about the Rising Stars summer youth volunteer training program, click here.

Rising Stars: school year sessions

Our spring Rising Stars session is full and in progress! Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2008 Please check back in August for application deadlines for our fall session.

Youth volunteers during the school year can participate in a ten-week, service-learning program that combines training sessions and hands-on volunteer experience. Students volunteer once a week for 4-5 hours. During this time, youth learn public speaking, customer service, and job skills, and then put their new knowledge to work by presenting interactive science demonstrations to OMSI visitors and developing their own original demonstration. Participants earn up to 50 hours of volunteer service and are encouraged to continue volunteering after the program ends.

The Rising Stars school year program is offered both on the weekend and during the school week. The Rising Stars weekend option is offered on Sundays. Participants can choose from one of two shifts: 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Students attending alternative schools or being home schooled can participate in the Rising Stars weekday option on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

OMSI volunteer benefits include:

• Complimentary admission to the museum and OMSI attractions for the volunteer
• OMSI family memberships for volunteers who serve at least 50 hours each year
• Discounts in the Science Store and Café
• Savings on OMSI camps and classes
• Individual recognition for service to the museum
• Ongoing training and support for an exciting and rewarding volunteer experience

To apply to be an OMSI youth volunteer, please see our Volunteer Application page.
For more information on youth volunteer programs, please contact OMSI's Youth Volunteer Office: 503.797.4596