Science Olympiad Coaching Program (SOCP)

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Make a Real Impact

The Science Olympiad Coaching Program (SOCP) connects dedicated volunteers with middle schoolers to prepare them for Science Olympiad, a track-meet style academic competition. As a coach, you will dedicate approximately one hour per week to develop lecture materials, research tasks, and practice tests, alongside a one-hour weekly coaching session.

Having prior Science Olympiad experience is preferred, but not a strict requirement. You have the flexibility to coach an event independently or team up with a partner. By aiming for at least two coaches per event, we strive to distribute the workload and accommodate scheduling needs effectively.

Sept '26 Start Date

Apr '27 End Date

1 hr/wk Commitment

In-Person, Online, Hybrid Format Options

Why Coach?

Curious about what teaching is really like? Or passionate about inspiring young minds? This is your chance to make a real impact. As a coach, you’ll design creative lessons on an open-ended topic and guide a small group of middle school students. Few things are more rewarding than watching kids light up while learning!

Beyond the classroom, this experience helps you develop key skills for any teaching-related path — including organization, communication, and leadership. Whether you're considering a future in education or simply love helping others grow, this is a meaningful opportunity to start making a difference.

Schedule & Location

Choose a weekly time slot: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri (2:30-3:30 PM) or Wed (12:40-1:40 PM).

Location: Riverside STEM Academy (4466 Mt Vernon Ave, Riverside, CA). You have the option to coach online, in-person, or hybrid.

Need flexibility? We understand that summer, winter, or spring obligations may affect your coaching schedule. Let us know if you need to start later or end earlier!

Competitions

You will be preparing students for the following tournaments:

UCR Highlander Invitational (Jan 2027)
Inland Empire Regional Tournament (Mar 2027)
Southern California State Competition (Apr 2027)

Contact Information

Nam Vu
Director, Science Olympiad Coaching Program
nvu042@ucr.edu

Michael Tin
Program Advisor, Delta SIFY
mtin@riversideunified.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Science Olympiad is a track-meet style academic competition that is open ended. You will be given "Learning goals", practice tests, and some lecture material but not a complete textbook design for the event.

TBD

Online: Coaches will be given a Google Meet link that will be used each week to meet with students. A teacher at RSA will need to admit you to the meeting and then you will begin your coaching session.

In Person: Volunteer clearance will be needed. Mr. Zonker or Michael Tin will work with you to enter Riverside Stem Academy and find the meeting locations

Hybrid: Do mix of both

Volunteers could coach online if that is convenient. But, we strongly recommend coaching in person because it will help you develop a deeper relationship with the students and give you a more fun experience. Many coaches have done a hybrid in the past if that works best.

Unfortunately no. But we recommend you discuss with volunteers who coach on the same day to see if they can help give you a drive. OR you can treat your 30 minute walks to RSA as exercise.

*If you have a car and are willing to help give rides for other coaches. Please let us know*

TBD

The address will lead you to a parking lot. You need to walk up stairs / uphill until you see people near the gates of school that will be able to check you in. You will need a driver license to sign in for "science olympiad with Joshua Zonker".

In-person coaches will need to download and install the following certificate to use the RUSD network. https://webapps.riversideunified.org/networkcert/

TBD

If you know someone who is willing to work together with you. Please leave a comment about that in the form you fill out your respective google forms to sign up for coaching. And try to have common availability day and events preference.

If you prefer coaching alone, please do your best to make sure you will available for coaching in winter quarter. We aim to keep coaching days during winter same as fall but if needed, we can try to work out different days/times.

Yes. Interested volunteers can coach one or more events. Make sure you have enough time to coach multiple events !

If your event requires the purchase of physical items or any monetary expense, please gmail Michael Tin mtin@riversideunified.org because he is the staff at Riverside STEM Academy.

If you need any materials or worksheets to be printed for your students, please send Josh the file(s) via email at least a day in advance so he can print them

If you have to miss a coaching session, please contact mtin@riversideunified.org so we can provide accommodations for your students.

Please prepare materials you would want the students to go over on that day and send those too if you are able.