Academy of Science - St. Louis :: Academy Initiatives

Speakers for Science

Speakers For Science is underwritten
through generous contributions from

Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis

The Academy of Science of St. Louis provides scientists and professionals who speak on science, engineering and technology related topics to area civic groups, community organizations, and schools through its Speakers for Science program. Additional Science Speakers programming includes eMentoring and Career Shadowing for students.

Nearly 700 scientists representing 100 different scientific fields, volunteer their time to share their knowledge about interesting and timely science-related issues.

Speakers for Science reach thousands of adults and students each year, illuminating and defining the vital and ever-increasing role of science in our everyday lives.

Request a Speaker, eMentor or Career Shadow

Please allow a minimum of three weeks lead time
A voluntary honorarium of $50 to $100 is requested of all groups, except schools and scouts (100% of all contributions provide immediate and direct support for the Academy’s free and low-cost community-wide science programs and initiatives)
Please be specific and provide exact details of your request

Career Shadowing opportunities are one-on-one science career explorations available to high school students and student members of the Junior Academy. Students spend all or part of a day on the job shadowing a scientist or engineer working in the student’s field of interest.

eMentoring provides opportunities for students in grades 6 - 12, independent of geography, transportation, or scheduling constraints, who are seeking help with Science Fair projects, independent research, or school-related research papers or projects. Students are paired with qualified professionals who will answer questions, advise students and provide guidance.

Speakers for Science visit school classrooms (pre-K through university level), after school enrichment programs, speak at school science nights, and may present to civic and professional organizations. Scientists and engineers share expertise and enthusiasm on timely and topical issues in science. A hands-on component may or may not be appropriate depending on the audience or topic requested.

Volunteer to Become a Speaker for Science

Make a lasting contribution to community science literacy and inspire the next generation of scientists and science advocates by becoming a volunteer Speaker for Science. Academy speakers give talks on topical issues in science to schools, scouting groups and civic organizations in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Volunteers are needed to assist in the following areas:

Career Shadowing for high school students and student members of the Junior Academy of Science.

eMentoring for students in grades 6 – 12 conducting independent research, working on school-related research papers or projects, or entering the Greater St. Louis Science Fair.

Speakers for Science to visit school classrooms (pre-K through university level), after school enrichment programs, in-house field trips, summer programs and camps, and school science nights, and for presentations to civic and professional groups.

Speakers For Science is an initiative of the Academy of Science-St. Louis' Science Literacy Project.

The Academy of Science-St. Louis presents science speakers and seminars in order to increase the awareness of science, not as an endorsement of any company, institution or individual.