Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Cranbrook Institute of Science! Our volunteer program is on pause for the summer, but we look forward to welcoming you soon with a new exhibit, new information, and new volunteer opportunities. Save the date for our Volunteer Open House on Saturday, September 6 from 11:00am to 2:00pm!
Would you enjoy sharing science with museum guests, and joining a welcoming and rewarding volunteer community? If so, we’d like to meet you!
CIS volunteers receive on the job training, interact with curators and educators, and enjoy the appreciation of museum staff. Most importantly, volunteers build rewarding connections with museum visitors, create “Oh Wow!” moments, and help to spark a passion for science!
Volunteer Opportunities
Science Stop Volunteers
Based in our dedicated volunteer area, Science Stop volunteers inspire curiosity with educational table activities. Interactive in nature, these activities encourage guests to touch, ponder, experiment, and explore, learning about science along the way.
Science Stop shifts are available on weekends and select holidays.
Intrigued? Click here for more!
Gallery Guides
Stationed among the exhibits, Gallery Guides offer mini tours and hands on activities related to a specific museum area. Use your own background information or let us train you in something new!
Gallery Guide shifts are available on weekdays and weekends.
Interested? Click here for more!
Morning Welcome Team
Welcome Team volunteers greet arriving school groups, answer questions, and guide the groups to their destinations – sharing exhibit highlights and science tidbits along the way.
Welcome Team shifts are available weekday mornings.
Want to know more? Click here !
Monster and Mystery (M and M)
Guides Our next traveling exhibit, Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs runs September 28, 2025 through January 7, 2026 and is followed by Mystery of the Mayan Medallion, January 30, 2026 through June 6, 2026. M and M guides provide specialized information (training provided), demonstrations, and the personal connection that really helps to bring these temporary exhibits to life.
Gallery Guide shifts are available on weekdays and weekends.
Curious? Click here for more!
Special Events Volunteers
Don’t have a lot of time? Consider being a Special Events Volunteer and bring science to life during our holiday and special programs. This is a great way to explore new science topics, fulfill community service requirements, and enjoy the satisfaction of sharing and giving back.
Interested? Click here for more!
Become a volunteer!
If you are interested in becoming a Cranbrook Institute of Science volunteer, or would just like more information, we would like to hear from you! Please complete the form on the right or contact Janet Beylin at 248.645.3748 or CIS_volunteer@cranbrook.edu. We look forward to hearing from you!