William Eckhardt Research Building, 5640 South Ellis Avenue
Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Check out this list of organizations that will be represented at the 2025 Broader Impacts Fair! “Broader Impacts” refers to the ways in which research in mathematics, engineering, and the natural and social sciences can have a broad impact on society through education, policy, and economic development. Students who apply for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship are expected to show a commitment to broader impacts. Students can show that commitment by getting involved with university programs or local organizations that work toward broader impact goals.
Students who are planning to apply for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship in fall 2026, are also welcome to attend a workshop taking place concurrently in the auditorium (room 161) of the Eckhardt Building from noon until 1:00 p.m. Please register here.
All students, whether applying for the NSF Fellowship or not, are welcome to come and learn about these organizations and how to get involved.
Argonne National Laboratory Educational Programs and Outreach
Contact: Jessica Burgess; join the education volunteer listserv
Argonne is a U.S. Department of Energy multidisciplinary science and engineering research center, where talented scientists and engineers work together to answer the biggest questions facing humanity, from how to obtain affordable clean energy to how to ourselves and our environment. Educational Programs and Outreach uses immersive and engaging programs to create STEM pathways for students. Education volunteers play a critical role in shaping attitudes and understanding among our next-generation scientists and engineers. By becoming an Education Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events focused on K–12 students and their families.
Opportunities: STEM Festivals, career talks/days with regional schools (K–12), panel sessions, workshops for students, competition judges/volunteers, summer camps and much more. Currently, we offer virtual and in-person opportunities.
Most relevant disciplines: Any science or engineering area
Bessie Coleman Library - STEM Club
Contact: Brandie Jones
Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago (TTIC) is an academic computer science institute located on the University of Chicago campus. We are dedicated to research and academic excellence, and aim to provide opportunity, inclusion, access, and expanded representation in STEM fields to communities of color, first-generation college students, women, and others. We partner with the Bessie Coleman Library to provide free and flexible computer science programs for 3rd–8th grade students to learn how to make a positive impact on the world through computer science.
Opportunities: TTIC continues to offer and expand community outreach and programs that benefit our neighbors and create long-term opportunities for participants. TTIC has worked in the Chicago public schools, park districts, and the Chicago public library. The club's theme for the academic year 2025–26 is Machine Learning & AI, which will be taught weekly on Saturdays. Volunteer facilitators can expect to commit 2–3 hours per week to help teach sessions for a (2) eight-week quarter. If interested, contact bjones@ttic.edu for more information.
Relevant Disciplines: computer science, information technology
Blackstone Bicycle Works
Contact: Alex Valladares
Blackstone Bicycle Works (BBW) is an after-school and summer youth program of Experimental Station, focused on bicycle mechanics, safety, and STEAM-based educational activities. Participants learn bike mechanics, safety, and group riding. They also learn about college and career options through field trips and STEAM workshops.
Opportunities: Volunteers are needed to help repair bicycles that will be donated to youth participants. All levels of mechanical experience are welcome! Volunteers also facilitate workshops by inventing engaging ice breakers, organizing workspaces, and administering program surveys.
Relevant disciplines: All STEAM disciplines (the A is for arts)
Carole Robertson Learning Center
Contact: Kenny Riley
The Carole Robertson Center for Learning is a private non-profit organization serving more than 2500 children and their families living in underserved communities on the west and northsides of Chicago. Programs reach children at every stage of development—from birth to age 14. The Out of School Time program serves K-8 after school and day camp STEM, Literacy and Social Emotional Learning programming.
Opportunities: We need volunteers to provide onsite math or reading tutoring, or lead STEM activities with youth. Help inspire future scientists. Support youth with homework. Must be able to travel to North Lawndale, Little Village, or Albany Park at least 1 day per week between the hours of 3-6PM.
Relevant Disciplines: mathematics, social sciences
Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST)
Contact: Cindy Nguyen
The Chicago Council on Science and Technology (C2ST) is dedicated to making science accessible, engaging, and relevant for all. Since 2007, C2ST has served as a vital connector in the STEMM community, offering dynamic programs that range from TED-style talks with science experts, to hands-on activities in parks, schools, and Chicago STEM institutions. With over 430 events, 900+ experts, and nearly 300 partner organizations, C2ST brings science to life for audiences of all ages. Through in-person programs and digital platforms like C2ST TV, C2ST ensures that wherever you are, science remains accessible to everyone.
Opportunities: Volunteering with C2ST involves a wide range of programs with engaging and hands-on activities such as facilitating microscopes, conducting sound-based experiments, and guiding circuit-building exercises. Volunteers will have the support of our team and other science experts. While most volunteering opportunities involve helping at in-person events, there are also opportunities to contribute to online and digital projects. We hope to spark curiosity and learning with our attendees that attend both virtual and in person C2ST events.
Code Your Dreams
Contact: Brianne Caplan
Code Your Dreams is a Chicago-based nonprofit unlocking access to computer science for communities too often left out of innovation. We equip students from elementary school through adulthood with the skills to design apps, websites, data projects, and tech solutions that address real challenges in their own lives and neighborhoods. Our programs combine creativity, equity, and hands-on learning to transform students from tech consumers into fearless innovators. With over 5,000 students reached, we’re building the next generation of diverse leaders who will shape the future of technology for their communities and the world.
Opportunities
- Classroom Teaching Assistant – Support K-12 students in coding classrooms (in-person or virtual). No teaching experience required—just patience, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn alongside students.
- Curriculum & Program Development – Help design and refine lesson plans, activities, and creative projects for topics like app development, web development, robotics, and data science.
- Technology & Engineering – Contribute to software integration engineering, platform development, and other technical projects that support the CYD Hub, our online learning platform.
- Fundraising & Outreach – Lead laptop donation drives, help plan community fundraising events, and assist with donor engagement.
- Marketing & Communications – Support social media, content creation, and outreach to share CYD’s mission and stories of student impact.
Relevant Disciplines
Computer Science, Data Science, Education, Engineering, Technology, Statistics, Public Policy, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Design, and related fields.
Illinois Science & Technology Coalition
Contact: Colleen Falconer, or sign up to be a mentor here!
Opportunities: The Illinois Science & Technology Coalition’s (ISTC) primary goal as an education nonprofit is to nurture the future innovators of STEM through mentorship and hands-on research development in countless disciplines, including the physical sciences. Through ISTC’s virtual mentoring platform, the Mentor Matching Engine (MME), high school students across Illinois are matched with industry experts that provide guidance during the research process. MME gives collegiate students, graduate students, and professionals the opportunity to expand their professional skills while connecting with their community. The mentorship role is designed to fit into any schedule, with an estimated time commitment of one hour per week and entirely virtual communication on the MME platform. This program allows professionals to partner with students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to work with mentors, and potentially even spark their interest in becoming future students at UChicago.
Relevant Disciplines: All subjects, including all STEM disciplines, Social Sciences, Humanities, Business, and more!
Math Circles of Chicago
Contact: Angelica Ledezma
Math Circles of Chicago is the largest math enrichment program in the United States, serving over 5,500 children in grades 3–12. We introduce children to novel mathematics in a nurturing environment. We are open to all children, providing access by geographically distributing our programs across the city. All our programs' fees are on a sliding scale and are free to most children.
Opportunities: 1) Lead an activity table at a math festival in a school or become a Math Festival Lead; we expect to hold 50 such festivals this year. 2) Mentor a middle school or high school student mathematics research project 3) Be a judge at QED, Chicago's Youth Math Symposium, held on December 13.
Relevant Disciplines: Math majors and non-majors who take pleasure doing math!
MRSEC
Contact: Christin Ahn
The integration of research with education and outreach is an essential aspect of MRSEC’s mission. In order to assure the most effective use of our expertise and resources, we have developed a multi-faceted approach using activities that focus on coherent themes that address our three primary audiences: research community, our neighborhood, and the general public.
Opportunities:
Modern Materials Technologies. Modern Materials Technologies is a weekly colloquium designed and taught by graduate students at Lindblom High School.
Polk Brothers Virtual Math Course. In collaboration with the UChicago mathematics department, graduate students and postdocs deliver presentations on how mathematics is used in science research to ~100 Chicago Public School elementary teachers via zoom.
Physics With a Bang! (December). Our annual holiday lecture and open house provides lab tours, demos, and explosive lectures performed by Profs. Heinrich Jaeger and Sid Nagel with the help of over 100 volunteers.
Relevant disciplines: Physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, mathematics
Neighborhood Schools Program: Southside STEM Ed Corps Member
Contact: Brandi Snodgrass
The Neighborhood Schools Program, in partnership with the Southside STEM Station (S3), is seeking UChicago students passionate about STEM education to serve on a team as an instructor. Corps members will receive training in STEM curriculum delivery, classroom management, and student engagement. Corps Members will support both in-school and after-school STEM programming and will also lead a team of peers serving as STEM Corps members. We are looking for UChicago undergraduate and graduate students who have experience working with youth in educational settings and an interest in curriculum development or instructional design. Social media skills and Spanish proficiency are a plus.
Opportunities
- Support or co-lead hands-on STEM instruction for 6th–12th grade students
- Lead small instructional teams of UChicago students
- Prep, organize, and maintain STEM materials (lifting up to 20 lbs.)
- Track student progress and provide instructional feedback
- Promote programs through social media and outreach
- Serve as a role model and mentor
- Complete required background checks
Project Syncere
Contact: Valencia Turner; volunteer interest form
Project SYNCERE (Supporting Youth’s Needs with Core Engineering Research Experiments) is dedicated to empowering the next generation of STEM leaders through innovative education and hands-on experiences. As a leading STEM education nonprofit, we provide youth with opportunities to engage in real-world engineering challenges, develop critical thinking skills, and explore their passions in science, technology, engineering, and math. Our programs, including E-CADEMY and ENpowered, offer students from elementary to high school the chance to collaborate with industry professionals, participate in engineering design projects, and prepare for successful futures in STEM fields. By fostering a dynamic and supportive learning environment, Project SYNCERE is committed to closing the STEM education gap and inspiring students to become the innovators of tomorrow.
Opportunities: 1) Volunteer to run workshops for elementary aged students at local schools. 2) Volunteer to be a career panelist. In-person and virtual options are available. 3) Be a paid teacher in one of our school-based programs. 3) Be a project judge for a program competition. 4) Assist our program team with data entry, attendance tracking, survey entry and file management during the week or on Saturdays. 5) Facilitate a workshop with students about a STEM topic of your choice.
Relevant Disciplines: Engineering, Technology, Science, and Math
PSD Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Contact: Aleksandra Ninova-Parris
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion in the Physical Sciences Division aims to build a supportive climate across the Division. We collaborate with departments and other units to create and implement tailored plans, programs, and activities.
Opportunities:
PSD Pen Pal Program. The PSD Pen Pal Program is a year-long mail program that connects younger students (Student Pen Pals) with a PSD student or postdoctoral researcher (PSD Pen Pals) to demystify STEM education and careers, humanize STEM professionals, and empower all students to explore a future in STEM. PSD Pen Pals will write to a Student Pen Pal following several letter themes and will receive a response. In addition to addressing the theme, we encourage students to share their stories and ask lots of questions to connect authentically with their PSD Pen Pal. One to two letter exchanges will occur per academic quarter, referred to as a "round" of letters.
Relevant Disciplines: Physical Sciences
SACNAS
Contact: Gaby Vazquez or Wenceslao Martinez-Navarrete
The University of Chicago's Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (UC-SACNAS) aims to create a sense of community among UChicago's underrepresented STEM student body and to empower them with the necessary skills to succeed at any of stage of their career. Our chapter is a close-knit community composed of a mixture of undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields. We hold regular monthly meetings and events focused on professional development, career exploration, networking, diversity and inclusion, and community service.
Opportunities
SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference: The largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity conference in the country, SACNAS is an inclusive and welcoming community of peers, mentors, and role models. SACNAS' premier conference serves to equip, empower, and energize participants for their academic and professional paths in STEM. Over the course of the event, college-level through professional attendees are immersed in cutting-edge STEM research, professional development sessions, motivational keynote speakers, the Academic & Career Expo, and multicultural celebrations and traditions.
Mentorship: Mentorship between graduate and undergraduate students. The goal is to establish meaningful and professional connections with other students, engage in conversations about grad school, career, life, and build a healthy support system and community.
Other Activities Professional Development and Workshops, Speaker Events, Cultural Events and Social Outings
Relevant Disciplines: physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, mathematics
Scouting America
Contact: Isaiah Hardy
Scouting America continues to be one of the largest youth organizations in the United States of America. Through local Scouting councils, Scouting America offers a variety of youth programs that have character development at its core. PTAC (Pathway to Adventure Council) partners with local community organizations in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana to deliver Scouting programs to more than 13,600 youth.
PTAC offers programs for youth ages 5 through 20, ranging in themes from family fun to outdoor adventure to career exploration. We provide mentorship and leadership opportunities through our partnerships, which include civic and academic institutions, law enforcement agencies, and religious organizations.
Opportunities: We invite students who are interested in having fun with youth and supporting their character development to join a local program as a counselor, tutor, or volunteer.
Relevant Disciplines: All disciplines
Splash! Chicago
Contact: splashchicago@gmail.com
Splash! Chicago organizes free programs for middle and high school students featuring classes designed and taught by UChicago students on campus. Classes span all subject areas, from black holes to visible mending. This year, we will host two one-day programs in the fall and winter, respectively, and a 5-week program in the spring. Our goal is to promote a love for both learning and teaching, while making college feel more accessible to middle and high school students in the community.
Opportunities: We have two main roles to fill: teachers and board members
1. Teachers: Sign up to teach on a one-time basis. Teach about your research, a hobby, or anything else that you are excited to share!
2. Board members: Join us for our weekly meeting where we plan our events, reach out to high schoolers, and recruit teachers. Help create successful and fun programs!
Relevant Disciplines: Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts, Education
Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago & Hyde Park Academy's IB Program
Contact: Randy Landsberg
Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago has a unique collaboration with Hyde Park Academy (HPA) High School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program. It involves in-school sessions exploring Big Questions & Thorny, Sticky, Ethical Ideas primarily connected to computing (e.g. is voice cloning good or bad?). The IB Program is an internationally recognized two-year comprehensive and rigorous pre-university curriculum with an emphasis on critical thinking. A central culminating component of the IB curriculum is a Theory of Knowledge essay, which encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge itself, which this partnership focuses on.
Relevant Disciplines: All disciplines
Tutoring Chicago
Contact: Eric Bugarin
Tutoring Chicago is a private, non-profit organization that provides free weekly tutoring to over 1,300 Chicagoland students in grades 1–12 facing economic and social barriers. The organization is entering its 60th year of service and will have a capacity to enroll 1,400 students and volunteers for the 2025-2026 program year!
Opportunities: Tutoring Chicago is looking for dedicated and committed volunteers to provide weekly in-person or remote tutoring/mentoring support to our amazing students. Role models are paired one-to-one with students and provide support in a variety of different subject areas in addition to mentorship opportunities. Volunteers decide their journey with us by selecting their method, program, grade level and evening preferences. No experience or special skills are required. Tutoring Chicago has a curated curriculum, weekly agendas, training, resources and the support to assure everyone becomes a great tutor, mentor and role model, regardless of experience. Above all, we seek individuals who want to impact, inspire, and empower!
To meet the needs of the growing number of students, Tutoring Chicago is looking to secure more dynamic volunteer tutors remotely or at our Evanston, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Chatham, or Pilsen locations . Tutoring Chicago also provides occasional one-time volunteer opportunities where support is needed for various activities and events. Tutoring Chicago will offer four programs on three days both in-person and virtually for the 2025-2026 program year.
Relevant Disciplines: Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics
UChicago Computational Biology Outreach (UC COMBO)
Contact: Liz Gibbons
UChicago Computational Biology Outreach (UC COMBO) organizes single and multi-day interactive workshops that both introduce students to foundational programming concepts through real-world biological problems and expose them to careers in the biomedical sciences. Our workshops feature short lectures on computational biology, guided and project-based coding sessions where students work through interactive workbooks, and talks by a diverse scientists at UChicago about their research and path to becoming a scientist. We have workshops designed for both middle and high school students and can customize to fit the needs of potential partners. Our mission is to demystify computer programming and inspire the next generation of diverse scientists by exposing students to a wide-array of career paths in computational biology.
Opportunities: We are seeking additional members for our organizing team in areas of scientific content, outreach, and communications, as well as day-of volunteers to assist with workshops.
Relevant disciplines: biological sciences, computer science, data science, statistics
University of Chicago Astronomy & Astrophysics
Contact: Juliet Crowell
Astronomy & Astrophysics Department Outreach. A wide range of educational programming are available on campus and throughout Chicago area communities. From early childhood enrichment at local preschools to lectures at libraries and community centers, astronomers are active in sharing the excitement of space exploration and scientific discoveries with the public. Learn more.
South Pole Telescope (SPT) Outreach. The SPT First Discoveries early childhood outreach program aims to excite young students alongside teachers and encourages young learners to approach science as a tool for exploring and understanding their own curiosities and intuition. Read more.
Cosmic Microwave Background Stage-4 (CMB-S4) Outreach Mission. The CMB-S4 research collaboration attempts to answer some of the most fundamental questions in our universe and offers educational and public outreach programs to engage the public, families, and K–12 students with innovative science that seeks to inspire wonder and curiosity across diverse audiences. Read more.
Outreach Opportunities: We are looking for student volunteers (undergraduate and graduate) who are willing to support outreach programs for K–12 audiences, families, teachers, and adults. Many of the outreach programs include the need for volunteers to guide hands-on learning experiences and could include after-school and summer programs. Other volunteer duties can include managing and growing a presence on social media (twitter, Facebook, and Instagram) by posting outreach programs and science research updates.
Relevant Disciplines: cosmology, astronomy, astrophysics, and physics
University of Chicago Biotechnology Association (UCBA)
Contact: Joey Federico
We are a student-run organization that aims to facilitate professional development biotechnology research and the life sciences in general. Our focus is to connect students and postdocs with UChicago alumni in the field, developing an on-campus community of people interested in biotechnology and the life sciences, and exploring non-academic careers through connections with business and entrepreneurship programs at UChicago. We regularly host speaker events, workshops, pub nights and other social gatherings open to all interested students and postdocs on campus.
Opportunities: We are recruiting people to join our steering committee and for general membership! In particular, we want to incentivize younger students who are earlier in their education trajectory to join so we can continue to pass the UCBA torch onto the next generation. UCBA predates many organizations on campus, and we want to ensure it has a full and dedicated future.
We are also interested in recruiting students to serve as committee chairs for roles focused on areas such as venture capital, entrepreneurship, pharma, and consulting. UCBA membership helps you meet other students/postdocs interested in biotechnology and the life sciences, develop connections with alumni, and learn more about the field.
UCBA general members will be added to our email listserv to receive job opportunities and networking event information. Scientists can help our organization by participating in our networking events, inviting our group for a tour of their workplaces, and participating in our speaker panels. If you are interested in helping grow and develop this organization, we would love to work with you!
University of Chicago College and Career Readiness Programs
Contact: Ann Merrell or Emily Cracolici
Operated through the Office of Civic Engagement, College and Career Readiness programs at the University of Chicago prepare Chicago public high school students to gain admission to, pay for, and thrive in college and excel in future careers. Programs include the Collegiate Scholars Program (CSP), the South Side College and Career Catalyst (C3) program, the Space Explorers Program and the Youth Internship Program. All of these multi-year programs include a broad range of academic and leadership development activities; college readiness resources including financial aid workshops and entrance exam preparation; college and career exploration and planning; academic advising and tutoring, as needed; enrichment on topics ranging from STEM to financial literacy; annual College Fair and the Peter and Judy Kovler Career Conference; and more.
Opportunities: During the academic year, volunteers can work with our programs by offering a workshop, panel discussion, or other enrichment program to our students. Academic year events are designed to expose high school students to new areas of interest and provide information about a variety of academic/career pathways. In the summer, faculty, OAA and graduate students teach college-level courses to high school students, and undergraduate students can serve as Pre-Collegiate Assistants. Alternatively, faculty and graduate students can also supervise a high school student intern to conduct summer research. Volunteer panelists are also needed for the Peter and Judy Kovler Career Conference in July.
Relevant Disciplines: physical sciences, biological sciences, computer science, engineering, mathematics, social sciences
University of Chicago Data Science Institute
Contact: Susan Paykin
The Data Science Institute executes the University of Chicago’s bold, innovative vision of Data Science as a new discipline by advancing interdisciplinary research, partnerships with industry, government, and social impact organizations, and holistic data science education.
Opportunities
Data Science Clinic. The Data Science Clinic is an experiential project-based course in fall, winter, and spring quarters where students work in teams as data scientists with real-world clients from industry, academia, and social impact organizations, under the supervision of mentor instructors. Clinic students work on data science research and applications, such as data analysis, open-source software, client presentations and research reports. TA opportunities are available every quarter.
Data Science for Social Impact Summer Program. The Data Science for Social Impact Summer Experience program is an 8-week summer research program at UChicago for undergraduate students from a network of colleges and universities engaging in social impact data science. Undergraduate students work in teams to hone their data science and research skills while engaging with a real-world data science problem. There are also paid TA and project mentor opportunities for graduate students with a background in relevant fields. This program runs annually each summer.
Summer Lab. The DSI Summer Lab program is an 8-week summer research program at UChicago. In Summer Lab, undergraduate students and Chicago-area high school students are paired with a data science mentor in various domains, including computer science, data science, social science, climate and energy policy, public policy, materials science, and biomedical research. There are also paid opportunities for graduate students to serve as Lab Coordinators, and opportunities for faculty to serve as mentors. This program runs annually each summer.
Data4All High School Bridge Workshop. Data4All is a workshop for local high school students, aimed at bridging the transition from introductory computer science classes to data science research. Data4All introduces students to the data science research lifecycle and training on how to communicate findings. There are paid opportunities for undergraduate students with a background in data science, CS, or statistics to serve as mentors for the program. Runs weekly on Saturday afternoons for 8 weeks during fall and spring quarters.
Relevant disciplines: Data science, social science, computer science, statistics, AI, analytics
University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Contact: Rosie Huggins, PhD
The UCCCC supports cancer education and training initiatives across the career continuum. These include four cancer research pathway programs for high school and college students: SHE (Summer Healthcare Experience) in Oncology, researcHStart, Diversity in Cancer Research, and Chicago EYES on Cancer. The EYES program also welcomes secondary science educators. Our programs have the shared goal of increasing diversity within the biomedical workforce.
Opportunities: The UCCCC is recruiting volunteers to help with a range of education initiatives, particularly our cancer research training programs for high school and college students. Our volunteers serve as peer mentors, panelists and workshop facilitators. They also accompany us to schools and other local organizations (e.g., MSI) to educate our community about biomedical research and careers in the field. Commitments range from one hour to several weeks. There is generally minimal prep work and often none at all.
Relevant Disciplines: Biological Sciences
University of Chicago Science Policy Group
Contact: uchicagospg@gmail.com
The UChicago Science Policy Group is a non-partisan organization of UChicago researchers focused on advocating for science, evidence-based reasoning, and scientifically-sound policy to the voting-aged public and policymakers. Members have the opportunity to learn and put effective science advocacy into political action through events to educate voters, meetings to educate and collaborate with policymakers, educational seminars to learn about the interface of science and policy, and activities with external science policy entities. As a group, our combined efforts allow for a greater impact toward the advocacy of science in politics than any one of us acting alone.
Opportunities: Professional Development Workshops, Connecting with Guest Speakers in Science Policy, Outreach Opportunities, Science Policy Book/Journal Clubs, Educational Trips.
Relevant Disciplines: Anyone interested in science policy
Organizers
Co-sponsors include the Physical Sciences Division, the Division of Biological Sciences, the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, and the Division of Social Sciences, with additional help from the College and the Office of Civic Engagement.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Woods
