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Volunteer with GEST: Inspire the Next Generation of STEM Leaders
GEST 2026 will take place April 18, 2026! Growing Exploration in Science & Technology (GEST) is a one-day outreach program hosted at the Duke University Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, NC. GEST brings together passionate scientists, educators, and community members to inspire middle school students through hands-on activities and engaging conversations about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
How to Volunteer
Registration for day-of volunteers for GEST 2026 is now CLOSED. For questions or more information, contact us at gest.participants@gmail.com. Please see below how you can become a part of our transformative event!
Volunteer Roles
Each volunteer role helps to contribute in a variety of ways:
- Junior Volunteer (under 18 years old)
- Work with GEST group leaders to lead a group of up to 10 middle school students as they participate in STEM activities throughout the day. This is a great opportunity to gain leadership experience, learn a lot through fun experiments and lessons, and meet some pretty awesome people in STEM!
- Volunteer to be a Junior Volunteer here!
- General Volunteer (18 years or older)
- Group Leader: oversee and guide a group of up to 10 middle schoolers between 8:30 AM – 4 PM.
- Help them navigate through fun STEM activities and locate their panel session groups.
- Activity Leader Assistant: Work with GEST group leaders to oversee and guide a group of up to 10 middle schoolers between 8:30 AM – 4 PM.
- Logistics Support: Help with event setup, registration, lunch distribution, assembling groups, and materials/supply distribution.
- Shutterbug: help document photos and video highlights of the event.
- Volunteer to be a General Volunteer here!
- Group Leader: oversee and guide a group of up to 10 middle schoolers between 8:30 AM – 4 PM.
- Activity Leader (18 years or older)
- Leads or assists with a ~ 50-minute hands-on activity up to 3 times between 9:30 AM – 4 PM.
- Creative freedom to design and lead your own STEM activity for middle school children.
- Examples in the past includes squid dissections, exploring living shorelines, learning to identify dolphins, coding Ozobots, creating marine zines, and so much more!
- Volunteer to be an Activity Leader here!
- STEM Panelist (18 years or older)
- Participates in small room panels of around 4 panelists to talk around 20 children about their jobs in STEM, how they got their start, what they love about their job, and how kids who love science can keep exploring their interests!
- Volunteer to be a STEM Panelist here!
Why Volunteer with GEST?
As a GEST volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Make a Difference: Help ignite curiosity and a love for STEM in middle school students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
- Engage with the Community: Work alongside scientists, educators, and other volunteers who share a commitment to equity in education.
- Share Your Passion: Lead interactive activities, assist with logistics, or mentor students by sharing your journey in STEM.
- Inspire the Future: Play a role in shaping the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Event Details
When: April 18, 2026
Where: Duke University Marine Laboratory
Address: 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd, Beaufort, NC
Our Mission and Vision
At GEST, we believe that equitable, diverse, and inclusive experiences in STEM foster creativity, innovation, and success for all. We aim to:
- Engage middle school students in STEM activities led by diverse scientists.
- Provide a welcoming space for exploration and inspiration.
- Increase confidence and access to STEM resources for students from all backgrounds.
Be part of a meaningful event that changes lives and sparks passion for STEM! Join GEST as a volunteer and help build a more inclusive future in STEM.
