Volunteering at The Franklin Institute

Want to Volunteer? Fill out the Volunteer Service Application!

"Every day brings something new."

Volunteering at The Franklin Institute is a great way to get involved in this fun filled, interactive Museum. By contributing time and expertise, you can learn something new, help others, and most of all have fun! The success of many of our programs depends directly on the efforts of our volunteers. Every year, hundreds of people—from students to retirees—participate in our volunteer program.

Who can be a volunteer?
* Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older. CLICK HERE for summer volunteer opportunities for high school students including our Junior Science Presenter Program, available for students entering 9th or 10th grade who are between the ages of 14 and 16.
* Volunteers should be friendly, outgoing, and enjoy working with people
* Volunteers should have an interest in promoting science education

What do volunteers do?
Volunteers work in almost every area of the Institute. Some volunteers:
* Do demonstrations in exhibits
* Work in administrative offices
* Assist with library and curatorial work
* Meet and greet visitors and answer questions

When can I help?
Volunteer opportunities are available seven days a week between 9:00AM and 5:00PM. Volunteers may work a half day or full day shift but should be willing to commit to an average of four hours per week (may be arranged for twice a month) for at least six months. If only available for the summer, volunteers must commit to 2 days per week.

How do I apply?
Please submit a completed Volunteer Service Application.
You may choose any of the following options:
*Email your application to volprog@fi.edu
*Mail your application to the address listed on the application.
*Fax your application to 215.448.1314

Volunteer placement is by interview only. The first step is to complete the application and return it to the Volunteer Office. Once we receive the application, someone will contact you. Feel free to contact the Volunteer Office with any questions. We can be reached at volprog@fi.edu or 215.448.1163.

"I get personal satisfaction from doing something for someone else and volunteering in an area I enjoy."

Is training provided to volunteers?
All volunteers receive an orientation through the Volunteer Office. Job-related training is provided by Institute staff from the department in which the volunteer is working.

What are the benefits of volunteering?
Active volunteers receive free admission to the Museum, including IMAX®, Fels Planetarium, and Franklin Theater shows, discounts in museum store and restaurant, invitations to special events, and, when volunteering, free parking or transportation reimbursement. Depending on the number of recorded hours, active year-round volunteers may receive a free membership to The Franklin Institute.

Volunteer Opportunities

Service Ambassadors

Guest Services: Interested individuals should be outgoing and enjoy working with the public. This opportunity includes greeting guests, answering questions, and providing directions throughout the Museum.
Special Events: Volunteers needed to assist with special events and programs at the Institute. Most events occur in the evening or on the weekends.

Office/Research Assistants

Administrative Support: Assist in the various offices at the Institute with filing, mailings, copying, data entry, etc. (weekdays)
Curatorial: Work may include inventory, research, cataloging and care of the collections. (weekdays)
Library: Clerical support, inventory, research, cataloging books, data entry, and shelving books and periodicals. (weekdays)
Research & Evaluation: Work may include interviewing visitors, tallying data, writing reports, and data entry.

Technical Assistants

Information Technology: Strong computer knowledge is necessary; including hardware, software, and programming. (weekdays)
Operations: Volunteers serve as exhibit device testers. Some knowledge of mechanics or engineering is useful. (weekdays)
Theaters: Volunteers should be comfortable working with computers and audio systems, and enjoy working with large groups.

Educational Program Assistants

Camp-In: Volunteers are needed to help with our overnight camp program, assisting during check-in and throughout early evening programming. Volunteers are not required to stay overnight. (Friday and Saturday evenings)
Discovery Camp: Serve as a Counselor-In-Training, assisting the senior staff in all aspects of Discovery Camp. Interested applicants must be available to volunteer for at least one full camp session. CLICK HERE for session dates and themes. (summer only)
Exhibit/Program Development: Assist in developing science-related programs. Volunteers should have a well-rounded scientific background, and be able to translate concepts into programs. (weekdays)
PACTS Mentor: Mentors are needed for this year-round youth leadership program, which focuses on science enrichment, career development, and leadership. CLICK HERE for more information about PACTS (Partnerships in Achieving Careers in Technology and Science).
Science Presenter: If you love science, this is the opportunity for you! Interpret and present hands-on, interactive cart activities to visitors and offer educational support in the museum's exhibits. Volunteers should have excellent speaking skills and enjoy working with people. This position requires a 100 hour commitment. Volunteer shifts are Mon-Fri: 9-2 and 1-5; Sat-Sun 9-1:15 and 1-5. CLICK HERE for information on our Summer Junior Science Presenter Program.
Workshops: Assist with preparation for various Museum workshops, such as Homeschool Workshops, Birthday Parties, Discovery Camp, etc.

Additional volunteer opportunities may be available. Contact the Volunteer Office to discuss your interests and special skills. We may be able to match your area of expertise with the needs of the Institute.

"The experience has taught me much more than how planes fly or the latest in technology. Volunteering at The Franklin Institute has taught me how to teach others, how to learn from others, and how to take the initiative to discover why."