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Youth Program at World of Science

Hey, Young Scientists! Are you ready to explore, discover, and make an impact?

 

Welcome to Science Bridges Youth Program—your portal to a world where your passion for science, whether it’s in atoms or economies, organisms or societies, becomes a journey of endless possibilities. This is where you, the curious, the innovative, and the bold, come to find your path, connect with peers, and shape the future.

 

Our Mission: Science for Every Young Mind

At ScienceBridges.org, we believe in the power of youth to transform the world through science. Our Youth Program is designed to inspire and support high school students across Ontario by providing access to a wide range of scientific fields, including both natural and social sciences. We’re here to help you:

  • Discover Your Passion: Explore the vast landscapes of science through resources, articles, and interactive content tailored to young minds.
  • Connect and Collaborate: Join a community of like-minded youth, where you can share ideas, work on projects, and build friendships that could last a lifetime.
  • Gain Real-World Experience: Find opportunities that align with your interests, from science fairs and workshops to internships and volunteer positions in various scientific fields.
  • Prepare for Your Future: Access guidance and resources to help you navigate your educational journey and career path in science.

 

What We Offer

1. A Gateway to Exploration: Dive into topics ranging from quantum physics to cultural anthropology, environmental science to political theory, and everything in between.

2. Resources at Your Fingertips: From study aids to project guides, career advice to personal development workshops, our resources are designed to support your growth and curiosity.

3. A Community of Support: Engage with a network of peers, mentors, and professionals who are as passionate about science as you are. Participate in forums, join virtual meetups, and connect with experts in your field of interest.

 

In Ontario, high school students must complete 40 hours of volunteering in order to graduate, but volunteering is also an amazing way to make a difference, learn new skills, gain experience, and meet new people!

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as volunteering for my community service hours?

Any work where you are paid or are replacing a paid worker is not considered volunteering. This includes part-time work, school co-op placements and working for a family business.

Check the resource links provided or ask your guidance counsellor what experiences your school counts towards volunteering. What qualifies as volunteering can differ between school boards and may need the approval of your school principal.

What kinds of volunteering can I do?

Volunteer positions must fall into one of these categories to be considered for hours:

  • Formal volunteering: includes voluntary activities for any not-for-profit institution or foundation, e.g., helping with events or working with youth
  • Informal volunteering: includes voluntary activities that are done not directly through a not-for-profit or organization
  • Virtual volunteering: This is when you volunteer from your computer or phone. It is a great option for students because of the flexibility it affords. For example, if you are short on money for transportation, busy with school or want to minimize contact due to the pandemic, you may want to explore this option. Many not-for-profits have been moving more towards using virtual volunteers, which has only accelerated because of COVID-19.

There are many ways to volunteer at Science Bridges! For example, you could:

Develop Engaging Content content : Use your creativity to craft inspiring posts, videos, or infographics that highlight fascinating scientific discoveries, showcase innovative projects, and promote science education and awareness across our digital platforms.

Organize with your peers an event such as science literacy or anything related to science: Join as a volunteer to organize in-person/virtual science events, providing encouragement and constructive feedback to young scientists showcasing their work, and fostering a supportive and enriching scientific community.

Conduct Fun Science Experiments with Kids : Bring the excitement of science to young minds by leading interactive experiments that spark curiosity and joy in learning about the natural and social world.

When should I start volunteering?

The sooner, the better! Between schoolwork, post-secondary applications and part-time jobs, Grade 12 is a busy year for many high school students. If you wait, your options will be more limited, and volunteer positions are not always available on short notice. Ontario recommends volunteering a minimum of 10 hours each year before Grade 12. Students can start volunteering for their hours as early as the summer before Grade 9.

Check how much time you have until your volunteer hours must be submitted. Your hours should be submitted no later than the first week of January or May, so they appear on your report card. Give yourself at least a few months to find a position. Ideal opportunities to look for are:

  • Virtual positions or ones with flexible hours
  • Informal volunteering
  • Special one-time events or short-term positions

What will I need to volunteer for my 40 hours?

Request approval

If a student would like to participate in an activity or event that is not clearly within the OCSB’s list of examples, the student must submit a letter to the school’s Student Services/Guidance office describing the proposed activity.

The activity cannot be started until permission has been granted. If the activity is done without permission and permission is later denied, the activity will not be counted toward the student’s community involvement requirement.

 

Community Involvement Record

You will need a Community Involvement Record Form. It is used to keep track of your hours, which your volunteer supervisor can then sign off on. Upon completion, this form is submitted to your school and your hours can be counted towards fulfilling your graduation requirement.

Resources and Useful Links

What Kind of Volunteer are you?

Volunteer Skills Self-Assessment

Develop Your Passion

Join Us Today!

Are you a high school student in Ontario with a thirst for knowledge and a desire to make a difference? The Science Bridges  Youth Program is your stepping stone to a future filled with discovery, innovation, and impact. No matter your scientific interest, there’s a place for you here to grow, learn, and become the scientist you dream to be.

Explore. Discover. Connect. Start your journey with us today and see where science can take you. Welcome to the Science Bridges Youth Program—where your potential knows no bounds.