Sycamore Community Schools is looking for local scientists, engineers and other professionals willing to step into a classroom and share what they know with students.

The district posted a renewed call for community volunteers on July 23, through CommunityShare, a national nonprofit platform that connects educators with guest speakers, mentors and project collaborators. Sycamore has been part of the CommunityShare network since at least early 2026, when the Blue Ash Advance first reported the district's search for science professionals through the platform.

The immediate need hasn't changed: science professionals to help teachers with upcoming student projects.

What the district is asking

The concept is straightforward. Residents create a free profile on communityshare.org listing their professional background, hobbies or life experience. Sycamore educators then search the platform for a match, or volunteers can browse active classroom projects on their own. The district describes it as a "human library" where teachers can check out a guest speaker or mentor to bring a lesson to life, according to the announcement on the Sycamore schools website.

Industry experience, artistic talent, military service and world travel all qualify. Partners choose their own level of involvement. According to the district's announcement, creating a profile takes about 10 minutes, and volunteers can contribute as much or as little time as their schedule allows.

All volunteers must pass screening and safety protocols before entering school buildings.

Why the district says it matters

CommunityShare, founded in 2015 in Tucson, Arizona, has connected more than 85,000 students with community partners across 12 states, according to the organization's 2026 stewardship report. A survey of 9,000 educators conducted by the nonprofit found that 84% want more community engagement in their classrooms but struggle to find partners or lack time to coordinate.

Sycamore's participation gives local professionals a direct line into district classrooms without the overhead of arranging visits independently.

How to sign up

Residents can create a profile at communityshare.org/sign-up. The district encourages uploading a photo to help educators make a personal connection.

Questions can be directed to Jessica Schmidt, Sycamore Community Schools' director of communications, at [email protected].