VOLUNTEER WITH BRIGHT SPARKS

Science. Play. Leadership. Community.

Want to launch rockets, create erupting volcanoes, mix color-changing reactions, and help toddlers discover the joy of science?

At Bright Sparks, volunteers help bring hands-on STEM adventures to young children and their families. Along the way, you'll gain leadership experience, learn how children grow through play, and make a meaningful impact in your community.

This opportunity is especially valuable for students interested in occupational therapy, teaching, psychology, child development, healthcare, STEM, education, or community leadership. Students from all backgrounds are welcome.

No science background required. Just bring your energy, creativity, and willingness to jump in and play.

What You'll Gain

  • Community service hours

  • Training as an early childhood STEM educator

  • Mentorship from a licensed pediatric occupational therapist

  • Leadership and teamwork experience

  • Experience working with children and families

  • Lots of laughs, bubbles, and messy science

Sounds like fun? Email yasmine.brightsparks@gmail.com to learn more about volunteering for Sunday Morning Science. Send us a little about why you’re interested and what makes you curious!

WHAT VOLUNTEERS SAY ABOUT BRIGHT SPARKS

“Bright Sparks has given me the opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and connect with both children and parents in ways I hadn't before.

Through our weekly labs, I've been able to pursue my goal of bringing people together and building a stronger community. It has been the highlight of my week to help create interactive experiences that spark curiosity, connection, and joy for families.”

— Emilia

“Bright Sparks has helped me connect what I'm learning in early childhood education with real-world experience.

I've gained valuable knowledge from the OT perspective, developed leadership skills, and been trusted with meaningful responsibilities.

This mentorship has given me opportunities I never expected to have this early in my career and has helped me feel more confident in the impact I hope to make in the future”

— Sarina

“Joining Bright Sparks has helped me feel like I'm part of something bigger than myself. Helping create a more inclusive (bilingual Spanish-English) program has allowed me to connect my career goals with my culture while supporting families in finding resources in early childhood science and sensory play they may not have known existed”

— Edith

BRIGHT SPARKS INNOVATION AND LEADERSHIP FELLOWSHIP + SCHOLARSHIP

For High School Volunteers in their Junior and Senior Year

The Bright Sparks Innovation & Leadership Fellowship is an application-based opportunity for volunteers who want to help shape the future of Bright Sparks Play Lab.

Fellows collaborate with program leaders to design and lead a sensory STEM community event for toddlers and families while building a portfolio project that reflects their interests, strengths, and impact.

FELLOWSHIP BENEFITS

Learn about designing engaging programming for regulation, sensory STEM play, and leadership.

  • Mentorship to help you identify your unique story, strengths, and interests

  • Portfolio-building experiences

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Consideration for merit-based fellowship scholarships

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR FELLOWS

GROWTH SCHOLARSHIP

Recognizing remarkable development

Awarded to a fellow who has shown meaningful growth in confidence, skill, initiative, and contribution.

INNOVATION SCHOLARSHIP

Recognizing distinctive ideas

Awarded to a fellow whose original thinking has made a meaningful contribution to the Bright Sparks community or programming.

LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP

Recognizing vision brought to life

Awarded to a fellow whose ownership, creativity, and follow-through have carried a community toddler STEM project from idea to reality.