Volunteering allows us to give back to our communities, share our knowledge, and connect with others. At Kaplan, we love hearing how our colleagues use their dedicated volunteering hours to contribute to causes close to their hearts.
One of our expert content specialists Stuart Stone shared his story of volunteering at Jodrell Bank - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the UK’s largest radio telescope.
Volunteering at Jodrell Bank Observatory
Aside from his role at Kaplan, Stuart has been pursuing a physics degree, where he also uses Python and has developed his coding skills. However, he explained how his fondness for Jodrell Bank came long before his studies.
“It’s such a great site for educating people about radio telescopes and all things space-related,” he explained. Having visited the site several times for the renowned Bluedot festival, Stuart felt a strong connection to the site’s mission to inspire curiosity about space. When the chance arose to volunteer there, he jumped at the opportunity.
On a typical day, Stuart assists visitors and guides them around Jodrell Bank. More recently, he participated in the ‘Astro Pi’ event, where he taught coding to children. These coding skills enabled the children to develop a program that would be visible to astronauts aboard the International Space Station. This involved transmitting an animated image to space, which would illuminate an LED grid on the ISS.
A selection of pixel art images inspired by nature, submitted by young people. Credit - ESA/Raspberry Pi Foundation
The benefits of volunteering
For Stuart, using his volunteering hours this way has been deeply rewarding. By dedicating time to a cause close to his heart, he's managed to positively influence young learners while contributing to Jodrell Bank's educational outreach mission. At the same time, the experience has reinforced the connections between his academic pursuits and professional life.
Volunteering offers more than community impact - it fosters personal growth and enriches our perspectives. Jodrell Bank's commitment to inspiring future generations aligns well with our values at Kaplan. We believe in nurturing potential and providing people with the tools to succeed. Stories like Stuart's remind us of the importance of combining our skills and passions with opportunities to uplift our communities.
Get started with volunteering
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to use your time, whether you’re passionate about education, the environment, or healthcare. Take the first step by exploring local organisations that align with your interests. Your skills and enthusiasm could make a significant impact.