Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

SERC's Education Program accepts volunteers in cohorts twice a year, once in late Winter/early Spring and once in Summer. If you are interested, please contact McDonaldK@si.edu.

Even if you've never taught before, all you need is a passion for working with young learners and being outside. We'll teach you the basics, how to teach and manage groups, and SERC science. There are field trip leaders, helpers, canoe guides and helpers, and those that assist with special events and outreach events. Volunteers also enjoy field trips, lunch n' learns with scientists, and other activities. If you are not interested in working with students, we also have opportunities for office work, trail maintenance, gardening, and more.

The programs in Education are only open to those 18 years of age or older, and you must volunteer at least twice a month, though weekly is preferred. 

To see if SERC is a good fit for you, fill out and submit a SERC Education Volunteer Application to get the process started! We will need to set up an initial interview, and then you may volunteer one day as a station helper. After that, if you are chosen as a volunteer, and you choose to continue, you will then start your background paperwork and 3 month/week trial period. We start cohorts of volunteers in Summer and Winter to be ready for the Spring and Fall Seasons.

Give back to your local community by helping students learn about and appreciate the Bay.