How do I join Science Outreach?

Send us an email at scout@usc.edu or check out our Instagram @scout_usc. Our weekly meetings are on Tuesdays at 8PM in THH 101. We welcome students of any major and all backgrounds. No science or teaching background is required.

What is the time commitment?

The time commitment is 2 hours per week. 1 hour will be dedicated to teaching kids in a weekly classroom session. Scouts are also required to attend the general body meetings which are 1 hour every Tuesday at 8PM. It is extremely important that you can make these two hours every week!

Will I be alone?

No, you will be part of a team of 8-13 Scouts that will visit the same classroom every week. Your team will be led by one of our wonderful Session Leaders.

What will I do in the classroom?

Scouts in the classroom have a variety of jobs which range from delivering the weekly lecture, helping students with their worksheets, and showing the kids how to do the experiments! Your Session Leader will find the perfect job for you, so don't worry if you are shy and/or afraid of public speaking.

I'm not a science major, can I still join?

Yes, the lessons we teach are all on an elementary level. We welcome anyone from any major!

What school will I teach at?

SCouts can sign up to teach sessions at John W. Mack Elementary School, 32nd Street School, Lenicia B. Weemes Elementary School, Vermont Elementary School, Alexander Science Center School, or The Accelerated Charter Elementary School. All are located within 1 mile of the USC main campus.

You can also volunteer at Outreach sessions and events that we put on throughout the year, either on campus, at Wilshire Park Elementary School, or at The Accelerated Charter Elementary School. Transportation is provided.

How much are dues?

Dues are $20 for Active Members, $25 for Associate Members, and $30 for New Members. The cost of our official SCout T-shirt is included in the New Member dues.

What other requirements are there?

SCout members are required to maintain an 80% meeting attendance as well as an 80% session attendance. New Members are also required to attend one new member orientation session and our first General Meeting. After one semester, New Members graduate to Active Membership status. If an Active or New Member misses more than the required attendance, they will be demoted to Associate Member.

What are the perks of joining SCout?

Active Members enjoy reduced dues, priority scheduling, and eligibility to apply for leadership positions. Scouts also get the joy of being role models for kids and making a difference in their lives! All members also get access to our membership resources, including networking opportunities with our membership and alumni pool.

What other activities do SCouts enjoy?

Science Outreach organizes social events and activities throughout the year for our members, including a Session Points Competition where sessions can compete for a prize at the end of the year. We also host fundraisers, sell merch, and sell stickers to raise money. Members can help out at any of these events or just come and have fun!