Become a Whitaker Center Volunteer
Discoveries are made every day at Whitaker Center. We rely on the enthusiasm, talent, intellect and creativity of volunteers to maintain and expand our exceptional programs. If you are interested in discovering what you can do, we invite you to join us as a volunteer. Whether answering questions about an exhibit, greeting school groups, helping guests to their seats in one of our theaters, or answering phones in the administrative office, volunteers are involved!
The Volunteer Program at Whitaker Center includes diverse people of all ages, abilities, educational levels and employment backgrounds. The Volunteer Manager will help you to select a role that matches your interests and abilities to organizational needs. A contribution of your time and talent is one of the most generous gifts you can make.
We are currently accepting applications from volunteers (age 16 and up) to fill a variety of roles. If you are interested, please contact the Volunteer Manager by calling 717-724-3888 or emailing volunteers@whitakercenter.org.
Volunteers share skills, learn new ones, meet new people, and have the power to make a difference and inspire others. Join us today!
Volunteer Benefits
Volunteer Application & Required Clearances
It’s easy to get involved at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. Applying is easy as 1-2-3.
- Click here to download a pdf of the Volunteer Application and Disclosure Statement and Authorization and Release Form for the Pennsylvania State Police Clearance.
- Click here to download a pdf of the Volunteer Declaration which states that you been a resident of Pennsylvania for the past ten (10) years. If you have not been a resident for the past ten (10) years, please note this on your application. The volunteer program will provide you instructions on how to register and submit a full set of fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
* Recently signed into law was Act 153 of 2014, which requires comprehensive criminal and child abuse background checks of volunteers working with children. This law defines “direct contact with children” as “The care, supervision, guidance or control of children or routine interaction with children.” This law now requires Whitaker Center to obtain the following background checks on current and prospective volunteers:
- A Pennsylvania State Police Clearance.
- A Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
- A Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Record Information obtained by submitting a full set of fingerprints to the Pennsylvania State Police or its authorized agent for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
* Certain volunteers (those living in Pennsylvania consistently for ten years) can be exempted from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Record Information check.
Please complete the volunteer application and required clearances and mail to:
Volunteer Coordinator
Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
222 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: 717-724-3888
The Volunteer Coordinator will be contact with you to review your materials and schedule an orientation.
Volunteer Opportunities
Guest Service Support
Work with the young and those young at heart by interacting with visitors in UPMC Science Center. Help guests get the most out of the interactive exhibits, and/or be a greeter for school groups and orient them to the Science Center. Volunteers in this position may also get the chance to assist in classrooms for our workshops and presentations. Excellent customer service skills a must! No science experience required – training provided!
Usher – Theater
This position is for individuals interested in delivering exceptional guest service by helping patrons locate their seats and other amenities prior to and during performing arts events in the Performance Theater. Great for those interested in helping out while also getting the opportunity of viewing the multitude of events and shows that come to our Performance Theater!
Schedule: Subject to show schedule
Administrative Offices
If you have specific administrative skills, are looking for a volunteer position apart from guest services (membership office, education office and finance office) or would like a more flexible schedule one of our many administrative volunteer positions is for you!
Education Office
Volunteers working with our Education department assist with various education projects that include sorting, cutting, organizing supplies and helping in the classrooms.