Volunteers’ Week – Celebrating Academy9 Volunteers

Picture of Academy9 volunteers wearing pink shirts. There are several men and women standing in front of an Academy9 banner.

This Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June 2024) we want to celebrate our amazing volunteers. As part of Academy9, we have the privilege of seeing first-hand the positive impact our volunteers have on pupils of all ages. Academy9 events simply wouldn’t be possible without their commitment.

There are a lot of benefits to volunteering. You can learn new skills and gain valuable work experience. It’s an opportunity to make new connections and to give something back. Volunteering can provide you with a sense of connection to others in the community and you may also improve your confidence at the same time!

But hear from the volunteers themselves what they enjoyed about volunteering for Academy9:

I really enjoyed the opportunity to network with people from different companies and different disciplines.
Liz

I really enjoyed pushing kids to achieve more than they thought they could.
Fiona

I really enjoyed getting to inspire the next generation of ecologists.
Amy

The picture shows four different STEM volunteers taking part in activities. 1. Helping a pupil learn to juggle. 2. Explaining protected species. 3. Supporting a pupil in PPE through an obstacle course. 4. Explaining how a bridge is built.

If you’re thinking specifically about volunteering related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), Academy9 is a great way to get involved:

Project engagement opportunities are planned and focused to support the development of all involved, young people, teachers and industry professionals.
All activities are created by education specialist working in collaboration with schools and industry experts to ensure that they are relevant, engaging and well received by young people.
The materials are updated regularly to keep them current and relevant for industry professionals to talk to.
Training takes place before live school engagements and STEM volunteers are offered the opportunity to adapt sessions to suit their preference and knowledge.
Tips, tricks and support are provided before and during the live session delivery, ensuring STEM ambassadors have an experience where they are comfortable but still develop their facilitation skills.

If you feel encouraged by reading about our STEM volunteers experience then please contact us if you would like more information on how to STEM volunteer.