Corporate Volunteering FAQ
Can our employees participate even without previous experience teaching science or teaching kids?
Yes! CRS provides training to all new volunteers. We offer virtual training that covers classroom management techniques, science teaching strategies, and program logistics so that volunteers feel fully prepared to present their lessons to students! For teams using a lesson developed by CRS, we will coach you through the entire activity.
Can employees volunteer with a group of colleagues?
We believe that this is the best way for volunteers to teach science presentations in classrooms. Volunteers find that it is more fun when they get to work together, and it allows students to interact with a diverse group of scientists.
Can our employees volunteer individually?
The Storytime with a Scientist program is a great option for individuals to volunteer by reading from a selection of books to elementary students, and help them make connections between their daily lives and those of diverse scientists throughout history.
We also find that there is a lot of value to volunteers working in teams. It is a good opportunity for team-building among colleagues, and it gives students the opportunity to meet a diverse group of scientists. Please contact us below and we’ll work with you to find the best format for your colleagues.
How much time would this take? Is there a specific time commitment?
Once we have scheduled a date and program that suits your employees’ needs, we will provide a 30 minute training session that will cover a review of the lesson and classroom communication. Then, your team is ready to teach some science!
Our virtual lessons can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. We schedule these lessons to fit your availability. Whether that’s once a month, or several times a year, teachers and students are eager for scientists and engineers to visit their classrooms!
What if my company already has a community outreach or community volunteer program through which we do all our volunteering?
We are happy to work with you to see how our volunteer opportunities can be best integrated with any employee engagement program already in place.
Our company usually has an annual day of service where all of our employees participate in a big project can you accommodate this type of company service?
Yes! Reach out to us and we can support your day of service.
Our company makes a particular product. Can we use our product for teaching a science class?
Yes! We are happy to work with you to develop a lesson that aligns with California statewide science standards using your company’s expertise. From healthcare and nutrition to educational products and toys, we are delighted to have volunteers who share real world connections to science and engineering through hands-on learning.
We have great ideas, but are not sure how to turn them into a lesson for an elementary school class. Can you help with this?
Yes! Our staff is more than happy to work with you to translate your ideas into an engaging, hands-on science lesson!
Is there a financial commitment to volunteering with CRS?
CRS covers the cost of staffing and supplies through fundraising. We are grateful for the support that your company may provide, however, it is not a requirement to volunteering.
Where in the East Bay will I/my team be teaching?
For in-person lessons, CRS will work with you to schedule your lesson at a convenient location for your employees that meets the teacher’s programming needs. In-person lessons are generally located in West Contra Costa, Oakland, and Berkeley school districts.
Which grade level will I be teaching?
We make sure lessons are aligned to California science standards. You’ll visit classrooms of the grade level that is appropriate for your topic. If there is a particular grade level that you would like to teach, we can work with you to determine which topics you could teach about that fit within that grade level’s standards.
I am/my team is comfortable presenting the science, but don’t have experience managing behavior in elementary classrooms. Will there be a teacher present to manage student behavior?
For both in-person and virtual lessons, a classroom teacher will ALWAYS be present during the lesson. Teachers are very helpful in handling classroom management and you should not hesitate to ask them for help if you need it! We will provide basic training in classroom management, materials management, and effective strategies for engaging young learners before your team’s scheduled lesson.