Volunteerism

Are you looking to enhance your career, cross-train or perhaps add NEW skill sets? Volunteering in your local community is a great way to obtain valuable experience. I joined the military in 1990 because I had no hopes of a technical career otherwise. So many kids today don't know much about careers beyond more traditional roles. With the recent boost in education regarding Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) volunteers are needed to work with programs like FIRST Lego League, FIRST Robotics, VEX Robotics and other programs. Most public schools are integrating STEAM into their curriculum. You can become a mentor, coach, or judge. Many resources like Scratch can be downloaded on-line for free! I am now a 4-H Leader in my rural Missouri hometown AND we are not just "farming around!", I co-founded "Lab-Revolution" a 4-H Technology Playground and Maker Space for school aged kids. I help pay the rent for a space in an old shirt factory that I have converted to a great space for learning. Also noteworthy, the environment I set up is great for kids with learning/behavioral challenges such as Aspergers, Autism, ADHD. Programs like Spokes America, Teen Science Cafe and many more are available to bring technology to kids in big cities and rural areas! Check my efforts out: http://dailyjournalonline.com/farmington-press/news/local/lab-revolution-teaches-tomorrow-s-technology/article_0b8b8116-e852-5005-8d14-b924a8993a9b.html