Volunteer with a young girl

Volunteer for CAGIS

What do CAGIS Volunteers do?

CAGIS Volunteers (18+) are science, technology, trades, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals, parents, teachers, apprentices, post-secondary students, and other interested members of the community of all genders. They help in a number of ways, both at in-person events or through our Virtual program. The time commitment for a volunteer is approximately 4 hours per month and the main responsibilities include: 

  • help to brainstorm, organize, and plan STEM events for members

  • help with activities and supervision at events

  • do STEM outreach and activities at special events

  • host a CAGIS event in an area of expertise

  • help to run a virtual activity at a CAGIS Virtual session

  • host a CAGIS Virtual session in an area of expertise

What our volunteers say about us

graphic of a wrench

Be a STEM Expert

As a volunteer CAGIS STEM Expert, your name will be entered into a database of individuals with expertise in various topics. You may be consulted about writing or advising on a particular topic, serving on a panel, or being featured as a role model in our newsletter, social media channels, or other outreach initiatives.

If you aren’t available when you are consulted, no problem – you can refer us to another expert or we can contact others in our network.

Host an Event

CAGIS hosts include STEM professionals, companies and industries, not-for-profit organizations, and individuals with other areas of expertise who are familiar with STEM (e.g. the physics of skating).

Our events often occur at the host’s workplace to give participants a behind-the-scenes view of STEM in action. When a workplace is not conducive to hosting, we can book a room for the event instead. Our events include some information about the host’s area of expertise and fun, hands-on activities. CAGIS will discuss the outline of the event with you and can help brainstorm activities to ensure the event is engaging and age-appropriate.

Start a Local Club

Start a Chapter in your City

CAGIS chapters are run by volunteers who meet regularly to plan monthly events for their members. CAGIS coordination teams are made up of diverse groups of volunteers including post-secondary students, STEM professionals, parents, high school students, teachers, and more. CAGIS provides training, mentorship, and oversight of new and continuing chapters. CAGIS also provides membership administration and other support.

City-based Chapters
  • hold events for girls and gender-diverse youth who live in or near a particular city
  • are open to girls and gender-diverse youth within the region
  • often hold events at the workplace of the presenter and sometimes at rooms the chapter books at a local university, college, library, or community centre
Community-based Chapters
  • hold events for a particular group of girls and gender-diverse youth who are part of a certain community
  • are open to girls and gender-diverse youth within the region
  • often hold events at the workplace of the presenter and sometimes at rooms the chapter books at a local university, college, library, or community centre
  • examples include chapters that are formed in a school, a community centre, or for a particular community within a wider region
Girl inspiring peers

Be a Teen Ambassador

Inspire your peers!

This highly competitive program is for Canadian female and gender-diverse teens aged 13-17 with an interest in science, technology, trades, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Limited space is available so we encourage all applicants to think carefully about their submission.  Visit our Application Tips page before applying.  

Teen Ambassador applications for the 2024-2025 year have closed.  The next round of applications is expected to open in summer 2025.

Requirements
  • Participate in 12 or more CAGIS Virtual events with your camera on. Most of these sessions will be your choice. CAGIS may specifically request the participation of teen ambassadors at certain sessions.
  • Attend meetings to share your thoughts and opinions.
  • Share your experiences with CAGIS periodically in written and/or video form. A subset may be shared publicly, with your permission (optional).
  • Be an ambassador for CAGIS among your peers and, if you feel comfortable, online on social media. 
  • Work on exciting, special projects with CAGIS and other teen ambassadors.
  • There may be additional optional opportunities throughout the year.
Benefits
  • Receive free CAGIS Virtual membership ($200 value).
  • Meet and interact with amazing experts in STEM fields.
  • Interact with other youth who love STEM.
  • Participate in fun and engaging virtual sessions.
  • Be a role model for younger kids and teens.
  • Count volunteer hours toward requirements in your jurisdiction.
  • Gain valuable experience to build your resumé.
  • Be eligible for letters of reference.