Industry volunteers
Help Kiwi kids see STEM through your eyes
Volunteer for the Wonder Project and share your STEM knowledge and passion with a local class as they take on an unforgettable learning experience.
Make a difference as a Wonder Project Ambassador
Help create a future where more young people can see themselves in careers like yours.
- Inspire Kiwi kids with real-world STEM
- Raise confidence and aspirations
- Spark future STEM careers
- Showcase career pathways
- Foster a diverse and thriving STEM industry
“This has been one of the most rewarding experiences. The connection you build makes you feel like you’re making a difference in encouraging the next generation towards STEM Careers."
Charlotte Meyer
Ambassador | The Neil Group
What ambassadors do
Ambassadors join a class as they complete a Wonder Project Challenge, for at least three sessions across the term. While the kaiako leads the learning, the Ambassador’s role is to:
- share their STEM knowledge and career experiences,
- support the kaiako and class during activities,
- showcase the incredible range of STEM professionals and careers,
- help ākonga believe they can be anything they set their mind to.
Who can volunteer?
STEM professionals
Anyone working in a science, technology, mathematics or technology role.
Final-year tertiary students or graduates
Students at the end of their tertiary education.
Retired STEM professionals
Anyone who's retired from working in a science, technology, mathematics or technology role.
Ambassadors should:
- be confident communicators
- complete preparation and training
- be available for in-person classroom visits
- have employer support
- complete the registration and self-declaration process
How it works
1
Register and prepare
Register for a programme and complete your screening, training and preparation.
2
Get matched and connect
Get matched with a local participating class then connect with the kaiako to organise in-person visits.
3
Inspire ākonga
Support the learning and inspire young Kiwis with STEM!
The time investment
Ambassadors usually contribute 8–12 hours over a school term, including:
- completing online training
- connecting with the kaiako
- preparing for classroom sessions
- travelling to the school
- attending at least three in-class sessions
Choose a challenge
Rocket Challenge
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Starts February
-
Ages 8–10
Design and launch water rockets.
Registrations open for Term 2 2027.
Power Challenge
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Starts February
-
Ages 11–13
Power a mini town with wind turbines.
Registrations open for Term 2 2027.
Ice Cream Challenge
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Starts July
-
Ages 8–10
Create the ultimate ice cream.
Registrations open for Term 3 2027.
Water Challenge
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Starts July
-
Ages 11–13
Build a network to connect wai to hapori.
Registrations open for Term 3 2027.
What we provide and what you bring
We support you with
- training and preparation material
- webinars and Q&A sessions
- teaching and ākonga resources
- guidance on working with a classroom
- support from the Wonder Project team
- an introduction to your matched kaiako
You bring the magic by
- preparing for each classroom visit
- sharing your real-world STEM knowledge, experience and enthusiasm
- encouraging and supporting ākonga
- coordinating with the kaiako and committing to agreed visits
- helping make STEM learning accessible and relatable
What you'll gain
It’s not just rangatahi that leave with charged minds. Being a Wonder Project Ambassador is an opportunity to:
- strengthen your mentoring and leadership capabilities
- grow your communication and presentation skills
- build confidence explaining complex ideas, simply
- understand how young people experience STEM
- represent your profession or workplace in your community
- complete hours towards CPD, where appropriate
Get your workplace on board
Need support getting approval from your workplace or manager? Start by sharing this resource.
Other ways to get involved
Volunteer opportunities for individuals are focused on supporting a challenge. Here are some other ways to inspire the next generation.
Inspiring the Future
Interested sharing your career story at local schools? Visit Inspiring the Future. When you register, mention the Wonder Project referred you.
Wonder Experiences
We can support Wonder Project partners with workplace visits, career talks or other Wonder Experiences.
Evidence on impact
200,000+ ākonga reached, supported by almost 4,000 Wonder Project Ambassadors. Here’s what they said about the Wonder Project.
- 50% ākonga said they were more interested in a STEM job.
- 88% ākonga had their STEM perceptions shifted positively.
- 89% ambassadors said they'd take part again.
“When [the ambassador] came in he made me understand much, much more! I wish you can help us understand more stuff science-like!”
Maia
Wonder Project ākonga
FAQs
When do challenges run?
When do challenges run?
Our challenges run across the duration of New Zealand school terms:
- Term 2 | February–April: Rocket Challenge and Power Challenge
- Term 3 | July–September: Ice Cream Challenge and Water Challenge
What training will I receive?
What training will I receive?
Before the challenge starts, you will receive a link to a series of short training videos that outline your role as a Wonder Project Ambassador, what to expect, how to prepare, and the key learning concepts.
You’ll also have the option to join a Q&A webinar with one of Team Wonder before the challenge starts.
Do I need to be an engineer or scientist?
Do I need to be an engineer or scientist?
All STEM professionals can be Wonder Project Ambassadors! And there’s no need to be an expert in the challenge field. We’ll provide you with all the resources and training you need to feel confident going into the classroom.
Do I need teaching experience?
Do I need teaching experience?
There’s no teaching experience required to be a Wonder Project Ambassador. Your matched kaiako will lead the class. Your role is to support the learning with your knowledge and passion for STEM. Plus, we’ll send you training and resources with tips on how to engage with a classroom.
How much time will it take?
How much time will it take?
Ambassadors usually contribute 8–12 hours over a school term. Alongside the classroom visits, this includes online preparation and training, connecting with the kaiako, and travel to the school.