Get Involved
Donate to our cause, become a volunteer, or start a chapter!
Are you a high school student interested in helping children foster their love for science?
Our volunteers and chapters are integral to Down to Dissect. As a volunteer or chapter president, you can instruct students during the dissection, organize events, manage social media, fundraise, and more.
Fill out the form below and become a volunteer or start a chapter today!
Note: you must be an enrolled student.
Volunteer and Chapter Interest Form
The Presidential Service Award
Down to Dissect proudly announces that we are an official certifying organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award.
Down to Dissect leaders and volunteers now have the opportunity to earn this award by volunteering with our organization.
In 2003, the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the PVSA to recognize the vital role of volunteers in America's strength and national identity and to honor individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.
Frequently asked questions
What is a certifying organization?
A Certifying Organization is an organization that has been granted authority through an application and review process to give out the PVSA to volunteers. Certifying Organizations verify and certify that a volunteer has met the requirements to receive a PVSA within a 12 month period specified by the Certifying Organization. Only Certifying Organizations can certify volunteers’ eligibility for the PVSA and order awards.
How do I qualify for the PVSA?
The PVSA award is given to American citizens that have completed a confirmed number of volunteer hours in any 12 month period. Each age group has a different requirement in order to qualify for the Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Lifetime Award. Please check the AmeriCorps website for details.
How can I track my volunteer hours?
Every chapter president is responsible for recording the volunteer hours of their members. Volunteers who have completed remote volunteering such as fundraising, social media management, website management, and more can send a description of what they have done and the number of hours they would like to be awarded for their work. Volunteers are encouraged to log their own hours to keep track and can contact their chapter presidents to confirm the number of hours they have completed at any time.
What can I expect to receive as a part of my award?
Awarded volunteers are given an official Presidential Volunteer Award medallion, along with a personalized letter from the current President of the United States. Lifetime award recipients also receive an enlarged, personalized certificate along with a congratulatory letter from the President.
DONATE! DONATE! DONATE!