Anyone can explore the Milky Way with the help of Galaxy Explorers.
The Galaxy Explorers program at Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland provides high school students with community engaging activities in the museum and planetarium.
Volunteers perform live public science demonstrations and explain interactive exhibits at Chabot to enhance the visitor’s experience. Explorers may also participate in the outreach program at schools, community centers, and festivals.
Junior Alex Lay said, “Many students are eager to rack up community service hours, what matters is if you have a passion for the topic. Volunteering to get the hours is meaningless unless it has some value to the individual. Aspiring astronomers are now provided with an insight on the tasks and more information on their possible future study field.”
Although the commute is rather lengthy for many Carlmont students, Chabot provides volunteers with reasonable work hours and many opportunities. Explorers need to meet the minimum requirement of four hours a week and can fulfill this requirement on any days Chabot is open to the public.
Sponsored by well known establishments such as Bank of America and the Institution on Library and Sciences, the Galaxy Explorers has earned some credibility.
Galaxy Explorers have the choice to participate in an outreach program known as Chabot-to-Go. This unique traveling science fair has advanced volunteers performance of hands-on science stations and educational crafts. Teens interested in public speaking also have an opportunity to complete additional training and individually conduct traveling planetarium shows.
Senior Monica Bayasgalan said, “The best way to further one’s knowledge is by passing it along. Presenting to the community gives back to others what you have learned.”
In addition to new acquired information regarding space, volunteers will acquire life long skills. Optional monthly workshops are offered to Galaxy Explorers focusing on career skills including public speaking, resume development, and others.
“Predicting your future career in high school is challenging. Many college freshman end up changing their intended major once in college, therefore Chabot’s program is very realistic. Volunteers not only learns about astrology, but also improve on social skills that the individual can carry with them for the rest of their lifetime,” said junior Shanil Patel.
Students searching for a more demanding role can apply for an internship at the Chabot Space and Science Center. The Galaxy program shares many similarities with an internship; however, interns are required to work more often, participate in outreach, and attend the monthly meetings.
Chabot’s Galaxay Explorer program provides information on astrology, but also business and career preparation skills that will last a lifetime.
To apply, click here.
