Volunteering at The Franklin Institute

Want to Volunteer? Fill out the Volunteer Service Application!

ASTC Volunteer Information

"Every day brings something new."

Volunteering at The Franklin Institute Science Museum 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. In all, more than 500 people-from students to retirees-participate in our volunteer program every year.

Who can be a volunteer?

* Volunteers must be 15 years of age or older
* 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 working only for the summer, volunteers must commit to at least eight hours per week.

How do I apply?
You may choose any of the following options:

* Print the Volunteer Service Application and mail it to the address listed on the application. You may also fax your application to 215.448.1314
* Call the Volunteer Office at The Franklin Institute at 215.448.1163 to request an application
* Send a message to volprog@fi.edu and request an application

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 you may have. We can be reached at volprog@fi.edu or 215.448.1163.

"I get personal satisfaction from doing something for someone else and working 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 Institute, including IMAX and the Fels Planetarium, 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
Includes Guest Services, School Greeter, and Retail Shops

Guest Services: Interested individuals should be outgoing and enjoy working with the public. Includes checkpoints, information desks, roving, and ushers.
Retail Shops: Customer service, organizing shelves, ticketing, and maintaining stock are the primary responsibilities of this position.
School Greeter: Volunteers needed mornings (9:00 – 1:00) during the school year to help orient school groups visiting the Institute. (weekdays)

Office/Research Assistants
Includes Curatorial, Library, and Administrative Support

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.

Science Presenter
Assist visitors by answering questions, interpreting devices, and doing demonstrations in the Museum's various exhibits. Volunteers should have excellent speaking skills and enjoy working with people. This volunteer position requires a 100 hour commitment. Volunteer shifts are Mon-Fri: 9-2 and 1-5; Sat-Sun 9-1:15 and 1-5.

Technical Assistants
Includes Theaters, Operations, and Information Technology

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
Includes Discovery Camp, Workshops, Camp-In, Special Events, PACTS Program, and Program/Exhibit Development

Camp-In: Volunteers are needed to help with our overnight camp program. (Friday and Saturday evenings)
Discovery Camp: Serve as a Counselor-In-Training to assist the senior staff in all aspects of Discovery Camp. (summer only)
PACTS Mentor: Mentors are needed for this year-round youth leadership program, which focuses on science enrichment. PACTS: Partnerships in Achieving Careers in Technology and Science
Program/Exhibit Development: Assist in developing science-related programs. Volunteers should have a well-rounded scientific background, and be able to translate concepts into programs. (weekdays)
Special Events: Volunteers needed to assist with special events and programs at the Institute.
Workshops: Assist with preparation for various Museum workshops, such as Homeschool Workshops, Birthday Parties, Discovery Camp, etc.

If you have special skills you would like to share, please let us know. 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."