Volunteer
Volunteer Academy
OH WOW!® offers unique volunteer opportunities for high school and college students, adults and retirees, designed to fit your personal goals!Your investment of time helps to further our mission and enables us to maintain our world-class facility and offer free, quality programming options. In addition, volunteers can earn rewards for their volunteer hours!
Together we will enrich the lives of children with OH WOW!®’s colorful, hands-on environment and encourage independent thinking through interactive STEM-based exhibits and EDUtaining programs.
Current Openings
From exciting special events to hands-on science demonstrations, OH WOW! volunteers have a variety of opportunities to inspire and support learning experiences. Whether you're helping with STEM SAK production, assisting in the Microelectronics Lab, or guiding explorers in our InspireWorks Makerspace, there’s a role for everyone passionate about making science fun and engaging!
Level 1 - Discovery Crew
Entry Level
Focus: Learn about the museum and keep it visitor ready
Duties Include:
- Clean and reset exhibits and activity areas.
- Restock supplies and organize materials.
- Learn opening, closing, and safety procedures.
- Shadow experienced volunteers and staff.
- Practice welcoming guests and answering basic questions.
Advancement goal: Demonstrate dependability, professionalism, safety awareness, and knowledge of basic museum expectations.
Level 2 - WOW! Crew
Visitor Experience
Focus: Become an active member of the museum floor team.
Duties Include:
- Engage children and families at exhibits.
- Explain simple exhibit concepts and encourage exploration.
- Help with crowd flow, visitor questions, and transitions.
- Support busy days, school breaks, and special events.
- Learn to recognize when a question or problem needs staff assistance.
Advancement goal: Confidently interact with guests, demonstrate exhibits, and create a welcoming experience.
Level 3 — WOW! Explorers
Program Specialist
Focus: Help deliver educational experiences.
Duties Include:
- Assist with STEM/STEAM demonstrations and activities.
- Prepare program materials and activity stations.
- Support birthday parties and group activities.
- Assist with field trips and school groups.
- Learn age-appropriate facilitation and group management.
Advancement goal: Successfully facilitate an approved activity with staff supervision and adapt to different age groups.
Level 3 - Specialty Tracks
We can Break off into specialty tracks at this level
Specialty Tracks
- Museum Operations: Cleaning, exhibit resets, inventory, supply organization, and maintain visitor-ready spaces.
- STEAM Programming: Demonstrations, hands-on challenges, science activities, holiday programs, and new activity development.
- Parties & Special Events: Party setup, activity stations, guest assistance, event preparation, and cleanup.
- Field Trip Crew: Preparing materials, welcoming school groups, helping with rotations, and supporting educators.
Lend a hand during our exciting special events!
Level 4 — WOW! Leaders
Leadership
Focus: Take ownership of assigned activities and experiences.
Duties Include:
- Lead approved programs or activity stations.
- Help coordinate party setups and field-trip rotations.
- Serve as a point person for assigned volunteer tasks.
- Mentor Level 1 and Level 2 volunteers.
- Assist with community outreach and off-site programs.
Advancement goal: Demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, communication, and the ability to guide others.
Level 5 — WOW! Ambassadors
Advanced Leadership
Focus: Represent OH WOW! and help strengthen the volunteer program..
Duties Include:
- Lead volunteer teams for assigned events.
- Help onboard and coach new volunteers.
- Assist with major programs, field trips, and outreach.
- Help develop or improve activities and volunteer resources.
- Participate in volunteer feedback sessions and program planning.
Advancement goal: Be a trusted, experienced volunteer who models OH WOW!'s mission and supports staff-led operations.
Join Our Volunteer Team
Volunteer of the Year
In 2012, OH WOW!® created the Barbara & Sam Abraham Volunteer of the Year Award. Volunteers with exceptional service to the Center are eligible to receive the award.
Volunteer of the Year Criteria
- Must have completed at least 100 hours
- Has exhibited exemplary leadership, creativity, cooperation and hard work in their service to OH WOW®
- Has engaged in the creation, organization, and/or mobilization of volunteers, groups and resources that are involved in projects benefiting OH WOW!®
- Has demonstrated sustained commitment
- They continually commit their time, talent and energy, without pay, to improve the mission of OH WOW!®
If you know of a volunteer WOW! Pal you believe is eligible please nominate them by September 1st.
The nominations you submit are reviewed by our staff of WOW! Pals that work with all our volunteers. There’s no need to submit multiple nominations for the same person. Just submit a concise and compelling nomination to colleen@ohwowkids.org. Thank you so much for helping honor our WOWtastic volunteers.