A mentor and student working together at a desk with papers and a laptop, warm natural light, focused and collaborative atmosphere

Get Involved

Join the nConnect community. Whether you are a professional, a teacher, or a business leader, there are ways to help engage the next generation of innovators.

nConnect Northwest connects schools to business to increase student interest and achievement in STEM. Your time and expertise can make a lasting difference for high school students across Southwest Washington.

For Professionals

Volunteer 2–4 hours per month from October to May, mentoring students in AP science and math classes. Share your real-world expertise and inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.

For Schools

Connect classroom learning to students' futures. Partner with nConnect to bring science and engineering professionals into your AP courses and open doors to career-related learning experiences.

For Businesses

Get involved in shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Support internships, mentoring, and school-to-business connections that build a stronger STEM talent pipeline in our region.

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Put Your Passion, Knowledge, and Skills to Work

Do you love calculus? Can't get enough of statistics? Think about physics every day? nConnect matches science and engineering professionals with AP science and math classes at area high schools. Your commitment is just 2–4 hours per month from October through May — a manageable way to make a meaningful impact.

Participating school districts include Evergreen, Vancouver, Camas, La Center, Kelso, and Longview.

Contact Us to Volunteer

When professionals share their real-world experience in the classroom, students gain a clearer picture of how academic subjects connect to meaningful careers. nConnect brings together volunteers from science, technology, engineering, and math fields to work alongside teachers, helping students tackle challenging coursework with confidence. This mentoring relationship builds more than academic skills—it shows young people that their education has purpose beyond grades and test scores. By offering just a few hours each month, volunteers become trusted guides who help students see themselves as future innovators. The impact of that connection lasts long after high school, influencing the choices students make about college, careers, and their own potential to contribute to the global economy.

Schools play an essential role in preparing students for the demands of a rapidly changing workforce, but they cannot do it alone. nConnect partners with educators to bring business and community perspectives directly into the classroom, enriching the curriculum with real-world relevance. Teachers gain access to professionals who can help illustrate complex concepts, share current industry practices, and inspire students to pursue more rigorous academic paths. This collaboration strengthens the entire learning environment, making STEM subjects more engaging and accessible. When schools and businesses work together, students see a direct line between what they learn today and the opportunities they will have tomorrow as leaders and innovators.

Business leaders who invest in the next generation of talent help build a stronger, more capable workforce for their own communities. nConnect offers companies a structured way to engage with local high schools, supporting students as they develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills that drive innovation. When employees volunteer as mentors or classroom speakers, they bring fresh perspectives that benefit both students and their own professional growth. This kind of community involvement also strengthens a company’s connection to the region it serves, creating a pipeline of motivated young people ready to contribute. The future of the local economy depends on the opportunities we create for students today.

Ways to Engage

Explore the different paths to getting involved with nConnect Northwest.

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Mentoring

Professionals tutor and mentor students in AP science and math, bringing classroom concepts to life with real-world perspective.

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Internships

Opportunities for students to gain real-world experience in STEM fields, building skills and confidence for future careers.

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School to Business

Connecting classroom learning to future careers through Career-Related Learning Experiences (CRLEs) that bridge education and industry.

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Resources for Teachers and Students

nConnect provides resources to support mentoring relationships, career exploration, and STEM learning. Teachers can access tools to integrate professional mentors into their classrooms, and students can explore pathways to STEM careers.

Explore Programs

Ready to Make a Difference?

Whether you have two hours a month or want to bring nConnect to your school or business, your involvement helps build the next generation of innovators in Southwest Washington.

Get Started Today