The Office of Science Outreach in the Eberly College of Science is currently seeking enthusiastic applicants for Curriculum Mentor positions for the Science-U summer science camp program.  Successful applicants will engage and educate K-12 youth in high energy, hands-on science experiences for our campers during the camp season at the University Park, PA campus. Applicants must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be prepared to fulfill all job duties related to the Curriculum Mentor position which include:

• delivering science content to K-12 children
• leading laboratory or field activities to facilitate development of science inquiry skills
• managing camper safety
• other duties as assigned.

Requirements: Demonstrated success and enthusiasm with K-12 students, excellent interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, experience working with children, and the ability to multi-task and learn on-the-job. Must be a proactive self-starter with willingness to adapt to changing position requirements. Reliability and flexible schedule (including occasional weekend hours and possibly evenings during the months of June and July) are essential. Schedule will be communicated well in advance. First Aid/CPR certification preferred.

Remuneration: A typical work week for most camps is 40 hours per week and the hourly wage starts at $12 per hour.  Applications must be submitted electronically and should include a cover letter with a statement of interest and any teaching/outreach experience and a resume. Applicants must supply the names and contact information for at least two references in their cover letter or resume. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled.

If hired for this position, the following clearances will need to be obtained: 

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check,
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

For more information and to apply, please visit Workday (students/employees) or Penn State Careers (external applications) and search for REQ_0000050998 Part-Time Science-U Curriculum Mentor - Eberly College of Science. 

Image

The Office of Science Outreach in the Eberly College of Science is currently seeking enthusiastic applicants for Lead Curriculum Mentor positions for the Science-U summer science camp program.  

Successful applicants will help lead staff to engage and educate K-12 youth in high-energy, hands-on science experiences for our campers during the camp season at the University Park, PA campus.  

Applicants must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be prepared to fulfill all job duties related to the Lead Curriculum Mentor position which include:

• Providing supervision, instruction, and ongoing assistance to program staff, campers, and volunteers during programs. Is the liaison between the Office of Science Outreach team and the other summer positions.  
• Leading the classroom behavior management and staying on schedule. Each camp includes up to 6 curriculum mentors and 30 campers per classroom. 
• Follow protocol regarding handling of behaviors and special needs of Science-U participants, give Office of Science Outreach staff input and feedback on effectiveness of behavior protocols.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements: Demonstrated success and enthusiasm with K-12 students in a formal classroom or camp setting, excellent interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, experience working with children, and the ability to multi-task and learn on-the-job. Must be a proactive self-starter with willingness to adapt to changing position requirements. Reliability and flexible schedule (including occasional weekend hours and possibly evenings during the months of June and July) are essential. Schedule will be communicated well in advance. First Aid/CPR certification and demonstrated experience with behavior management is preferred.

Remuneration: A typical work week for most camps is 40 hours per week and the hourly wage starts at $18 per hour.  Applications must be submitted electronically and should include a cover letter with a statement of teaching/outreach/supervision experience and a resume. Applicants must supply the names and contact information for at least two references in their cover letter or resume. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled.

If hired for this position, the following clearances will need to be obtained:

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check,
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

For more information and to apply, please visit Workday (students/employees) or Penn State Careers (external applications) and search for REQ_0000051329 Part-Time Science-U Evening Mentor - Eberly College of Science.

Image

The Office of Science Outreach in the Eberly College of Science is currently seeking enthusiastic applicants for Extended Care Mentors for the Science-U summer science camp program. Successful applicants will contribute to creating positive camp experiences for our campers during the camp season on the University Park, PA campus.  Applicants must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be prepared to fulfill all job duties related to the Extended Care Mentor position, which include supervising campers in morning and afternoon extended care hours. These positions are ideal for students who want to have daytime hours free for class or lab work.

Requirements: Demonstrated success and enthusiasm with K-12 students, excellent interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, experience working with children, and the ability to multi-task and learn on-the-job. Must be a proactive self-starter with willingness to adapt to changing position requirements. Reliability and flexible schedule during the months of June and July are essential. Schedule will be communicated well in advance.  First Aid/CPR certification preferred.

Remuneration: A typical work week is 10-15 hours per week and the hourly wage starts at $12 per hour. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled. Applications must be submitted electronically and should include a cover letter with a statement of relevant experience and a resume. Applicants must supply the names and contact information for at least two references in their cover letter or resume.

If hired for this position, the following clearances will need to be obtained: 

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check,
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

For more information and to apply, please visit Workday (students/employees) or Penn State Careers (external applications) and search for REQ_0000051002 Part-Time Science-U Extended Care Mentor - Eberly College of Science.

Image

The Office of Science Outreach in the Eberly College of Science is currently seeking enthusiastic applicants for Lab Coordinator positions for the Science-U summer science camp program. Successful applicants will contribute to creating high-energy, hands-on science experiences for our campers during the camp season on the University Park, PA campus. Applicants must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be prepared to fulfill all job duties related to the Lab Coordinator position, which include:

• organizing materials and supplies
• preparing and implementing experiments
• conducting inventory and clean-up
• other duties as assigned

Requirements: Demonstrated success and enthusiasm with K-12 students, excellent interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, experience working with children, and the ability to multi-task and learn on-the-job. Must be a proactive self-starter with willingness to adapt to changing position requirements. Reliability and flexible schedule (including occasional weekend hours and possible evenings during the months of June and July) are essential. Schedule will be communicated well in advance.  First Aid/CPR certification preferred.

Remuneration: A typical work week for most camps is 40 hours per week and the hourly wage starts at $12 per hour.  Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled. Applications must be submitted electronically and should include a cover letter with a statement of relevant experience and a resume. Applicants must supply the names and contact information for at least two references in their cover letter or resume.

If hired for this position, the following clearances will need to be obtained: 

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check,
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

For more information and to apply, please visit Workday (students/employees) or Penn State Careers (external applications) and search for REQ_0000051005 Part-Time Science-U Program Assistant - Eberly College of Science

Image

The Office of Science Outreach in the Eberly College of Science is currently seeking enthusiastic applicants for on-site Videographer positions in the Science-U summer science camp program on the University Park, PA campus.

For assigned camps, Science-U videographers are expected to take the necessary digital movie footage of Science-U campers and staff during program hours, edit video footage to create short films with closed captioning for future marketing or digital outreach utilization, and deliver completed video(s) by dates determined with the Science Outreach Director. Videographers will discuss filming, editing, and delivery schedules as well as the expectations for finished video products with the Science Outreach Director before each camp they are assigned. Videographers are expected to be efficiently responsive to Science Outreach staff comments on videos before finalizing videos and posting them to requested social media channels. Individuals should be punctual, creative, dynamic, and know how to use Final Cut Pro or Premier editing software or have skills in other software to produce quality videos under time-sensitive deadlines.

Science-U videographers work up to 20 hours per week, so this position is ideal for students who need summer hours for class or other obligations. Essential requirements: demonstrated success with and enthusiasm for K-12 students, excellent interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multi-task and learn on-the-job. Must be a proactive self-starter with willingness to adapt to changing position requirements. Reliability and flexible schedule (including weekend hours and evenings) are essential.

Base remuneration: $12 per hour.  Applications must be submitted electronically and should include a cover letter with a statement of relevant outreach and film experience and a resume. Applicants must supply the names and contact information for at least two references in their cover letter or resume. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the positions have been filled.

If hired for this position, the following clearances will need to be obtained: 

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check,
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

For more information and to apply, please visit Workday (students/employees) or Penn State Careers (external applications) and search for REQ_0000051003 Part-Time Science-U Videographer - Eberly College of Science or REQ_0000051330 Part-Time Science-U Videographer - Eberly College of Science

Image

The Office of Science Outreach in the Eberly College of Science is currently seeking enthusiastic applicants for Evening Mentor positions for the Science-U summer science camp program. Successful applicants will be responsible for arranging and supervising evening activities for residential campers outside of daily camp program hours on the University Park, PA campus. These positions are ideal for students who want to have daytime hours free for class or lab work. Applicants must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be prepared to be responsible for

• overnight supervision of residential campers
• organize evening activities
• manage camper safety.

Requirements: These positions are open to any undergraduate or graduate student who is at least 18 years of age and in good standing with his/her university. You need to be capable of sustaining a fun and exciting environment for young people aged 10 to 18. You must be prepared to live in the dormitories from Sunday evenings through Friday mornings of every applicable week of camp. You will supervise campers from 4:00 p.m. through the night to 9:00 a.m. the following morning. First Aid/CPR certification preferred. 

Remuneration:  Average pay of $780 per week (Hourly Rate of $7.25 plus $10.88 per overtime hour). Room and meals during working hours (breakfast and/or dinner) are included for the weeks you are assigned to camp. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled. Applications must be submitted electronically and should include a cover letter with a statement of residential youth program/teaching/outreach experience and a resume. Applicants must also supply the names and contact information for at least two references in the cover letter or resume.

If hired for this position, the following clearances will need to be obtained: 

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check,
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission. 

For more information and to apply, please visit Workday (students/employees) or Penn State Careers (external applications) and search for REQ_0000051004 - Eberly College of Science

Volunteer

Do you need a volunteer experience? Whether you are a college student or a professional looking to get involved with kids, marketing, or program organization Science-U volunteers play a crucial role in the implementation of all our camps!

If you are interested in volunteering at a Science - U summer camp please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to meet with potential volunteers.

Science - U is dedicated to advancing the teaching skills and scientific knowledge for all students and especially for students majoring in science, science education, and education.

Education majors who volunteer with Science - U camps will also receive hours toward both C&I 295 credit as well as credit needed to declare major (80 hours for Act 48) by second semester of sophomore year.

Volunteers may help with any or all ! To view the available camps visit the Science-U Camp Brochure.

Clearances, Background Check, and Mandated Reporter Training

All staff and volunteers working with minors at Penn State via Science-U must complete all required background checks, clearances, and child abuse training. For more information review the Clearances, Background Check, and Mandated Reporter Training Tab below.

Science-U staff training has always included an 'above-and-beyond' effort to educate Science-U staff and instructors about daily processes, camper safety protocols, pedagogy, and methods to design and establish successful learning environments.

Our staff is held accountable and is always challenged to uphold the highest level of excellence when it comes to providing a safe, creative, and immersive learning experience for all participants. Please contact us for more information on our advanced staff training and preparation.

At Science-U we are constantly looking for ways to improve both our camper and staff experience. Each year we revisit ways we can enhance both the curriculum and the delivery of the science to create unforgettable learning experiences for children. What's the secret to successfully doing this? - The staff! At Science-U staff training, you will learn the secrets to bringing science ideas and dreams to life.

The summer science camps have evolved over the last 15 years at Penn State in many ways. They are each very individual curricula, and the directors and staff are encouraged to diverge from the traditional chalk and talk science or math class and infuse creativity, innovation and lots of room for staff-to-camper engagement.

Just like Walt Disney once said "People can feel perfection," quality is in the imperceptible things that campers might not even know they are part of. Whether it means adding extra materials to make an experiment closer to 'the real thing' or acting the part of a crazed scientist to understand why we try different experiments, devotion to creativity lets campers (and their parents) know they are worth the effort. This is what creates the magic that campers will remember for years to come. 

Science-U Staff Training

Founded upon the principles of creativity and innovation exemplified by the academic faculty in the College of Science, Science-U fosters and organizes the creative energy of its employees with great success. Staff Training has three prongs, that once completed, help to shape the well-rounded staff we host each summer. The three training sessions are:

1) Science-U Online Training (Canvas - staff members will be given access)

The online training should be completed before attending the other two training sessions. It provides an overview of the program, as well as an overview of teaching and learning for kids of all ages. 

2) Sharing the Vision Training Session (April - exact date/time shared with hired staff closer to date)

The entire staff will come together to meet and get on the same page about the upcoming summer events. 

3) Science-U Staff In-Person Training Session (June 11 - 13, 2024)

At this training session, staff will learn techniques to engage campers and learn how to unearth fresh strategies that empower children to think deeply and solve real world problems. They will also engage in activities that build effective communication skills, science advocacy, teamwork, and leadership. The training wraps up with a staff picnic to meet all of the camp directors and instructors before launching into summer camp!

The Penn State University Clearance Process:

The Eberly College of Science's Office of Science Outreach is committed to ensuring the safety of our program participants, our staff and our volunteers. All staff and volunteers working with minors at Penn State via Science-U must complete all required background checks, clearances, and child abuse training. 

The Eberly College of Science Outreach Office is committed to ensuring the safety of our program participants, our staff, and our volunteers. As a condition of employment with Science-U, individuals must obtain the following publicly available background clearances as required by Pennsylvania state law and Penn State University Human Resources policies. Volunteers who will be having extended contact with you during an outreach program are also required to get these clearances:

• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Background Check (SP4-164)
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance Form (CY-113) 
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Background Check (Criminal History Report)  

Employment and volunteering with the Eberly College of Science outreach program is contingent upon completion of these clearances and it is suggested that individuals start the process as soon as an offer of employment or volunteer position has been received and accepted. Directions to complete these clearances will be sent direction from PSU HR Shared Services.

Penn State's "Building a Safe Penn State: Reporting Child Abuse" Training

This training must be completed by employees each year. (The training certificate expires 365 days after the date the training was completed.) The training must be completed in order to learn how to recognize child abuse and how to properly report child abuse. This is a 1 hour online training. Provided below is a link to instructions for accessing and completing the training. Directions to complete this training will be emailed by May.