The Science Olympiad Coaching Program (SOCP) connects 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 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.
Science Olympiad Coaching Program (SOCP)
Make a Real Impact
Sept 14 (Flexible)
Start Date
Mar 12, 2027
End Date
2 hrs/wk
Commitment
In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Format Options
What is Science Olympiad?
Science Olympiad is a track-meet style academic competition that is open-ended. You will be given “learning goals” and have to design a curriculum to help middle schoolers achieve those goals.
Volunteers coach 2-4 middle schoolers for Science Olympiad. We do not require previous experience with teaching or competing in Science Olympiad.
There are practice tests and online resources to help you. You can find out more on the Official Science Olympiad Website.
Why Coach?
Curious about what teaching is really like? Or passionate about inspiring young minds? This is your chance to make a real impact.
What you’ll gain:
- Joy of helping students master difficult content.
- Satisfaction from making a creative lesson for subject you are interested in.
- Mastery of soft skills like how to communicate, be organized, and manage a small group of individuals.
Even if you are not available to coach please let others know! We prefer UCR students because they have potential of coaching in person, but open to non-UCR volunteers as long as they are 18+.
Schedule & Location
Need flexibility? We onboard coaches on a rolling basis—we understand outside obligations (ex. summer vacation) may affect your schedule, so please let us know if you require a delayed start or an early end.
🗓️ Dates: Sept 14, 2026 (flexible start) – Mar 12, 2027
📊 Tentative Schedule: View Tentative Schedule
⏰ Weekly Slots: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri (2:30-3:30 PM) or Wed (12:40-1:40 PM).
⏱️ Time Commitment: ~2 hrs/wk (1 hr planning + 1 hr coaching)
📍 Location: Riverside STEM Academy (4466 Mt Vernon Ave, Riverside, CA). You have the option to coach online, in-person, or hybrid.
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)
Note the date of major competitions so that you can pace your lessons to cover all the material. Sometimes there are special events at school and coaching may be adjusted. This will be communicated to you.
Resources & Events
Want to learn more before choosing an event to coach? Use these resources:
- Science Olympiad Events Slide Deck (Sample questions & builds)
- Sample Practice Tests
- Science Olympiad Student Wiki
- Official Science Olympiad Rules
We accept applications on a rolling basis with no hard deadlines—we are always looking for coaches! You can check the Coaching Availability Spreadsheet (to be added later) to see open events.
Sign Up & Contact
Ready to make an impact?
📝 Sign Up / Interest Form
If you have any questions or concerns, please email ALL of us on the coaching team at the same time:
Nam Vu
Director, Science Olympiad Coaching Program
nvu042@ucr.edu
Michael Tin
Program Advisor, Delta SIFY
mtin@riversideunified.org