Every fall, EnCorps STEM Fellows spend just two hours a week for 10 weeks in a classroom, volunteer guest teaching, mentoring, and showing students what STEM looks like beyond a textbook.
And while it doesn’t sound like much time, the impact is huge.
After this semester’s Volunteer Guest Teacher Takeover Days, (where we connect EnCorps Fellows with a Partner school to guest teach a class) we asked students one question:
“How did your experience with the EnCorps volunteer influence your interest in STEM or a STEM career?”
Here’s what they said:
- “I didn’t think STEM was for me, but now I’m thinking about being an engineer.”
- “They made STEM feel real and connected to actual jobs, not just worksheets.”
- “My EnCorps volunteer helped me realize I can do this.”
- “I want to take more advanced STEM classes now so I can have a career in this.”
- “It made me want to learn more about engineering and technology.”
Why It Matters
Many students go through school without ever meeting a working scientist, engineer, coder, or biotech professional. They might not see themselves in those careers because they don’t see anyone doing those careers.
But when a STEM professional stands in front of them and says, “I do this every day and you could too,” things shift. Not in theory. In real time.
Who Our Fellows Are
EnCorps Fellows are not full-time teachers (yet). They’re aerospace engineers, data analysts, software developers, lab researchers, cybersecurity experts; people who give two hours a week to expand what students believe is possible.
And based on what students told us this fall, it’s working.
Want to Be Part of This in 2026?
If you’re a STEM professional who wants to volunteer guest teach, mentor, or explore a pathway into education, we’d love to connect.