Volunteer as a Judge
Help young explorers reach for the stars
Spend about an hour giving teams encouraging, expert feedback that motivates them to keep exploring STEM. You'll review projects, score them on a simple rubric, and record a short video all through the portal. We provide a certificate noting your time and a token of our appreciation at the end.
- ~1 hour
- 2–3 teams
- 100% remote
- April 9 – May 1
What it takes
Four simple steps
1.Warm up on a calibration team
Score one calibration team first and see where you land against the panel — so everyone judges on the same scale. No experience needed.
2.Review your assigned teams
Read each team's report, drawing, and video, then score against a simple 100-point rubric — all in your browser, on your own time.
3.Record a short feedback video
Record a 3–4 minute feedback video for each team: greet them, say what you liked, and offer one next step. Warmth over critique.
4.Earn your certificate
Finish a quick survey and download a certificate of appreciation for the time and expertise you gave.
Why judges love it
You're the highlight of their season
Judges are engineers, educators, and researchers who remember what it's like to be a curious kid with a big idea. For many teams, a mentor's feedback video is the moment the whole project pays off.
Your words stick
Specific, encouraging feedback from a real professional is often what a young team remembers most.
Light and flexible
Just 2–3 teams, about an hour total, done whenever suits you during the judging window.
No prep required
A guided portal, a simple rubric, and a practice round get you calibrated before your first real team.
Ready to inspire a team?
Sign up in a couple of minutes. We review each one and follow up before the judging window opens — approved judges sign in with a secure access link, no password to manage.
Questions? team@cosmic-leap.org