SET Conference
Come and help WISEST deliver the SET (Science, Engineering, and Technology) Conference! This fun and interactive day shows young women and gender-diverse students in grades 10-12 that there is more to science than medicine, more to engineering than building bridges, and more to technology than sitting behind a computer screen.
When? Saturday, November 21st, 2026, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Where? University of Alberta, North Campus
Please see our volunteer roles below and sign up for those that you're interested in. Volunteer forms will open in early October! All roles are in-person.
All volunteers are invited to join us at the SET Conference for a complimentary lunch!
Lab Activity Volunteers
Lab activity volunteers plan, organize, and present a hands-on lab activity for conference participants (delegates)! Leaders are responsible for reviewing their procedures, requesting materials, and leading the activity. Each activity will have 2-3 assistants who will help deliver the activity.
Who should sign up: Students (undergraduate/graduate), researchers, faculty/staff, industry professionals
Time commitment: Volunteers can expect a few hours of lab planning and preparation and are expected to complete online safety training and a test run of the activity prior to the conference. Volunteers must be present from 9:00 am-12:00 pm (lunch from 12:00-1:00 pm) on the day of the conference.
Delegate Guides and General Volunteers
General Volunteers help with things like event set up, signage, registration, and whatever is required to have a smooth, successful event. Delegate Guides assist with leading groups of students to various activities on campus. They are also key in making sure that SET participants have a positive experience!
Please note, the role of Delegate Guide will require walking with students to various locations on campus. Volunteers should be prepared for physical activity and also have a way to communicate with the main volunteer hub, i.e., have a cell phone.
Who should sign up: Students (undergraduate/graduate), or interested members of the community. We also encourage Education students in Secondary Education who plan on teaching high school science to volunteer as a guide or general volunteer.
Time commitment: Volunteers are expected to complete Online Safety Training and attend a short orientation session. Delegate Guides must be present from 8:30 am - 2:30 pm on the Conference day. General volunteer shifts can vary between 7:30 am and 4:00 pm based on the volunteer's availability. Click on the sign up link for more information.
Role Models and Networking Volunteers
Role Model and Networking volunteers lead discussions with groups of students. These volunteers will share their educational and career experiences, allowing students the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about careers in STEM, and may also meet with students outside group discussions to share additional information about careers and projects they are working on.
Who should sign up: Individuals working in science, engineering, or technology fields or pursuing graduate studies in STEM.
Time commitment: Role Model and Networking Volunteers are expected to be present from 12:00-3:00 pm on the conference day. The mentor session begins with a short volunteer orientation, moves into small group panels and ends with a networking mixer with the students.