Volunteer Opportunities

Each year, we work with more than 400 incredible volunteers – who donate their time and expertise – to help facilitate engineering activities with visitors, prepare materials for upcoming programs, support special events and outreach activities in the community, and more.

There are many different ways to support The Works Museum through volunteering and our team will work with you to find the right fit. 

We welcome submissions of interest from individuals and corporate groups.

Individuals, fill out the volunteer interest survey
Groups contact Sarah Kamstra, Event and Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@theworks.org

Children and adults assembling a robot made of blue and white pipes at a STEM event with an 'Uponor' booth in the background.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities:

For those of you who were representing a company, if your employer offers volunteer benefits—such as Volunteer Paid Time Off (VTO), donations for volunteer hours, or matching gifts—we encourage you to take advantage of them. Many companies will donate to nonprofits based on the time you volunteer, and those contributions directly support more hands-on STEM learning experiences for students and families.

Submitting your volunteer hours or requesting a match is a simple way to multiply your impact!

Children and adults gathered around a table at a science or craft event outdoors, engaging with STEM activities involving colorful materials, scissors, and instruction sheets.

Volunteer at Festivals

There are many great family and community festivals gearing up with the warmer weather. The Works Museum is bringing STEM fun to two festivals in May. Volunteers will be facilitating hands-on take-home activities with kids and families!

Sign up below:

A woman and an elderly man are sitting at a wooden table, working on assembling or organizing small items in plastic bags. The woman is smiling and holding a small item, while the man is looking at the camera with a slight smile. Behind them is a metal shelving unit filled with storage boxes and supplies, indicating they are in a storage room or workshop setting.

Material Prep for Workshops

Assemble hands-on engineering materials at your office or the museum. Flexible timing; teams of 5–30 welcome.

(Ongoing):

People gathered around a table with educational materials, posters, and games, engaged in an activity or workshop in a classroom or community space.

Pop Up Engineering at The Works Museum

Run hands-on STEM activities for kids and families during museum hours. Materials & training provided. Bring curiosity and enthusiasm!

(Ongoing) Sign up below:

A young boy with curly blonde hair and a red shirt is sitting inside a structure made of orange bricks, smiling at the camera.

What's Your Engineering Superpower?

Bring a hands-on STEM activity to feature at an event or as a Pop Up Engineering project. Volunteer with your company, organization, or as an individual.

Contact Sarah.K@theworks.org to schedule.

Check out our blog to see what else is in the works at The Works Museum!

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Community Outreach: Hands-on Engineering

Lately, as we step into the summer season, hands-on engineering is taking center stage through outreach at local community events, including the Great Big Jamboree in Bloomington and the Flint Hills Family Festival in St. Paul.

Seed Art with Hennepin County

Last weekend, volunteers from the Hennepin County Department of Environment and Energy joined us at The Works Museum to lead a hands-on seed art activity with our visitors.

Our Educational Philosophy

At The Works Museum, our mission is to inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, and creative problem solvers. In our summer camps and programs, we teach kids that engineering is about much more than completing projects.

Robot Day at The Works Museum

Robot Day is a family event celebrating all things robotics! Learn what goes into building, maintaining, and operating a robot with hands-on activities and demonstrations.

Summer Camps: Educator Picks

We are getting excited for another summer of camps at The Works Museum! Let’s hear from some of our educators about the camps they love most.

Volunteer Appreciation Week: Becca Stearns

During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are proud to recognize the volunteers who help make engineering feel welcoming, creative, and accessible to every visitor at The Works Museum.

Volunteer Appreciation Week: Linda Valentine

During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are proud to recognize the volunteers who help make engineering feel welcoming, creative, and accessible to every visitor at The Works Museum.

STEM Day at the Capitol

On April 15, 2026, we had the opportunity to join partners from across the state at STEM Day at the Capitol, sharing the power of hands-on, career-connected learning with legislators, industry representatives, educators, and community members.

Volunteer Spotlight:

JERRY SOSINSKE – A CHAMPION FOR STEM EDUCATION

Smiling man with glasses and gray hair wearing a gray t-shirt that says "ENGINEERING IS COOL" in purple letters standing against a textured wall.

A diverse group of people gathered around a table at an indoor event, engaging in a hands-on activity with small fish in a tank. An older man wearing a grey T-shirt with the words 'ENGINEERING IS COOL' is smiling and talking to a woman with glasses and a bun, who is wearing a navy apron. A young girl in a pink hoodie and an older woman wearing a headscarf and black jacket are participating in the activity.

For nearly 20 years, Jerry Sosinske has been a dedicated volunteer at The Works Museum, sharing his passion for engineering and education with countless students. Since our first Tech Fest, Jerry has played a key role in events, connecting community partners, and engaging kids in interactive engineering learning.

“I was lucky enough to have great support and lots of opportunities to succeed throughout my life. My goal is to pass this on and try to help other people who may need encouragement and support in their life.” - Jerry

Jerry’s dedication shapes future innovators and problem-solvers. We are incredibly grateful for his contributions and the lasting difference he makes. Thank you, Jerry!