STEM professionals

How it works

We offer a series of in-class challenges that run during specified school terms each year. We’ll pair you with a kaiako to support them as they run one of our challenges in the classroom. We supply everything you need to have loads of fun with your allocated class – training, ākonga learning material, teaching support material, and a free challenge kit.

How to become a Wonder Project Ambassador

Are you a STEM Professional who’s passionate about your career? Well, you’re halfway to becoming a Wonder Project Ambassador. All you need to do is register online. Because you’ll be working with children, we’ll need to know if you have any criminal convictions. We’ll also give you a call to talk about your experience and what’s involved. Once we have this information, we’ll pair you with a school and give you access to the Wonder Project’s resources.

To become a Wonder Project Ambassador you need to:

• be passionate
• have a level 4+ qualification
• be working or studying in STEM
• be a confident communicator
• be comfortable working with kaiako
• be available for school visits
• have employer support

You don’t have to be an engineer or an Engineering New Zealand member to take part.

New Zealand school term dates 2025

Term 1: 27 January – 11 April
Term 2: 28 April – 27 June (Rocket Challenge)
Term 3: 14 July – 19 September (Power and Water Challenge)
Term 4: 6 October – 19 December (new challenge pilot)

The time investment

Wonder Project Ambassadors give back by giving their time. For all our challenges, you’ll need to be present in the classroom (in person or online) for at least 3 hours over the challenge. You’ll also need to allow time to meet your matched kaiako before the challenge starts and do some preparation reading.

How to get your workplace onboard

Being a Wonder Project Ambassador takes time. So, you’ll need to make sure your employer is on board too. Start by telling them that being a Wonder Project Ambassador is an opportunity to:

• give back to the community
• inspire a diverse range of ākonga
• future-proof the STEM industry
• build your communication and presentation skills
• complete hours towards your continuing professional development
• lift the profile of the company you work with.

Gain CPD hours

If you're an Engineering New Zealand member, the time you spend as a Wonder Project Ambassador contributes towards your required continuing professional development hours. You can include preparation time and classroom time. Other professional bodies may also recognise this type of volunteer work as CPD.

Training

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist or power expert to be a great ambassador – we’ll give you all the training and resources you need. This is all online and available for you to do in your own time – and it’s super easy! You’ll also be supported throughout the challenge with all the ākonga learning material and lesson guides – plus the team is only a phone call away!

Working with teachers

As a Wonder Project Ambassador you’ll be working alongside a kaiako in a school that we pair you with. You’ll need to meet up with your kaiako beforehand so you’re prepared with everything you need to run the challenge successfully over the term. Some kaiako might not have a STEM background and that’s okay. We supply detailed support resources with all the information you’ll both need to run the challenge with confidence.

We're here to support you

Team Wonder will be in touch with you before, during, and after the challenge, making sure you feel comfortable and supported. We have a dedicated team who will be available to answer your questions Monday to Friday. We also have a Wonder Project Community on Facebook where you can ask questions and get support from a network of STEM professionals.