±Discovery Corps At Pacific Science Center

The Discovery Corps program consists of a system of training and assessment leading to increased levels of responsibility, pay, and skill. Pacific Science Center is looking for motivated youth to dive into exciting, interactive experiences while learning new skills.

Discovery Corps is a program for high school students ages 14 and older that are interested in gaining job and life skills while volunteering and working to provide Pacific Science Center's visitors with a unique interactive experience.

Once a youth has completed approximately 100 hours of service learning, including training, as a volunteer, he/she will be assessed on skills and performance. If expectations have been met, he/she may be promoted into a paid position (assessment periods and new hiring sessions will vary depending on staffing and the youth's volunteer schedule). This promotion includes increased responsibilities and more available training to assist with the continued development of skills. Paid youth can continue to work towards further promotions within the structure of the program. Discovery Corps is a program designed to support youth from the time they enter the program until they graduate from high school or an academically equivalent program.

The youth learn job skills and are exposed to numerous aspects of science, math, and technology which will hopefully inspire them to pursue careers in these fields.

Training
Discovery Corps offers intensive, hands-on training sessions to help you share science with others! During training, you will develop valuable job skills in customer service, education, and communication with people of all ages. You will present exciting, interactive activities to the public and get a peek behind-the-scenes at Pacific Science Center.

Upcoming Training Sessions

CLASS XXXI TRAINING SESSION
Application Deadline: Friday, October 4, 2013
November 3, 10, 17, 2013 - 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Welcome Celebration: Monday, November 18, 2013, 5 - 7 p.m.
Class XXXI Application Form
Class XXXI Recommendation

Acceptance is by Application and Interview.

Club
Discovery Corps Club meetings will give you the opportunity to make friends, participate in fun social events, and explore exciting new science discoveries. As a Club member, you'll be invited to attend workshops to develop life and job skills that will support you as you seek out further education and work.

Internships
Discovery Corps Members have the chance to apply for an internship through Discovery Corps Internship Program. Internships allow members to work closely with one of the many departments here at the Pacific Science Center. Possible internship opportunities include: developing future presentations, caring for the butterfly house, and presenting shows in the planetarium.

±Track For Earth And Space Science Achievement

The Track for Earth and Space Science Achievement is a pathway within the Discovery Corps program that targets youth interested in earth science and astronomy. This program offers students the unique opportunity to participate in the Discovery Corps program while completing specialized projects related to NASA's scientific explorations, astronomy, and earth science. TESSA is part of a grant awarded by NASA in support of students who are underrepresented in earth and space science fields. Students begin TESSA during the summer before their 9th grade year and continue with the program until they graduate from high school.  As students gain experience through TESSA, they will be invited to take on more challenging projects that match their interests in the earth and space sciences, and they will have opportunities to learn and practice the job and life skills offered by the Discovery Corps program.

A youth in TESSA may begin his/her involvement at Pacific Science Center by completing service learning or by working as an entry-level staff member. After the first 100 hours in the program, he/she will be assessed on skills and performance. If expectations have been met, he/she may be promoted (assessment periods and new hiring sessions will vary depending on staffing and the student's schedule). This promotion includes increased responsibilities and more available training to assist with the continued development of skills. Paid youth can continue to work towards further promotions within the structure of the program.

The coming Discovery Corps training session will take place in August and September and will include opportunities for a small group of students to participate in TESSA. To be eligible for TESSA, a youth must be a current 8th grader going on to 9th grade and be age 14 or older before the training session begins.

CLASS XXX TRAINING SESSION
Application Deadline: Friday, June 14, 2013
August 10, 17, September 21, 28, 2013 - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Welcome Celebration: Sunday, September 29, 2013, 1 - 3 p.m.
Class XXX Application Form
Class XXX Recommendation Form

±Why I Volunteer At Pacific Science Center!

Pacific Science Center is a great place to do your Service Learning or gain experience to help you qualify for future jobs and college admission. It's also a great way to build references that can speak of your experience and skills.