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A teen volunteer shows a crustacean to a young girl

Teen Volunteers

If you’re between the ages of 14–18, volunteer with us for an experience in an environment like no other! Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills, make some great friends, and earn references for your college application or your job hunt – all while giving back to the community.

We accept new teen volunteers twice annually: in Summer and during the School Year. Our departments have differing minimum commitments beginning at 50 hours for our Summer Teen volunteers and 100 hours for School Year Teen volunteers.

  • Summer session: most positions require teens to volunteer for one or two 4-hour shifts per week to build up to 50 hours. Summer Camps and Fab Lab require teens to volunteer for 2 full weeks of summer camps, Monday-Friday, full days.
  • School-year session: teens will volunteer for one 4-hour shift per week throughout the school-year to build up to 100 hours.

Carnegie Science Center will provide free parking to volunteers when they are onsite for volunteer shifts.

For a description of volunteer opportunities, please click here.

Teen volunteer positions will provide opportunities for teens to engage with our visitors. Whether it’s greeting guests on their way into exhibitions or showing off cool demonstrations, teen volunteers get lots of training and opportunities to share scientific fun with visitors. But you don’t have to know much about science. All you need is a sense of fun and willingness to learn! Our teen volunteers have all sorts of different backgrounds, and we’ll provide training for all volunteer positions.

All teens must submit a Teen Volunteer Application Form before they will be considered for a position. To apply, complete an online application opens in a new window or download a Teen Volunteer Application Form (PDF) opens in a new window. Teens must be at least 14 years old by the application deadline to be considered for a teen volunteer position. Late applications will not be considered.

The application deadline for the Summer Teen Program is April 1. Interviews and selections will occur in April.

The application deadline for the School Year Teen program is August 1. Interviews and selections will occur in August.

Teen Volunteer Application Form Online opens in a new window

Teen Volunteer Application Form (PDF) opens in a new window

If accepted into the teen volunteer program, teens must complete a required orientation before they can begin to volunteer.

Upon acceptance into the program, all teens must complete background checks, which differ based on age and residency. All teens under 18 must go through a background check with our company. The cost is free for teens under 18. All teens over 18 must provide and pay for background checks and clearances. Volunteers who have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 10 years must have their Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 33) and Criminal Record Check Clearance (Act 34). Volunteers who have lived in Pennsylvania for less than 10 years must have their Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 33) and Criminal Record Check Clearance (Act 34) plus an FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Act 114). Act 33 and 34 Clearances are free for volunteers.

Email your completed application form to VolunteerPrograms@CarnegieScienceCenter.org or mail to:
Volunteer Programs
Carnegie Science Center
One Allegheny Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

For questions, call 412.237.1621 or contact us opens in a new window.

Diversity Statement:

Carnegie Science Center understands, respects and values physical, cultural, economic, and social differences among our visitors and staff.