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. Representatives from over 20 organizations attended the 2024 Broader Impacts Fair, which was held on Thursday, October 10. If you missed the fair, you are still welcome to contact any of the organizations listed here to discuss how you can contribute to their missions. The next Broader Impacts Fair will be held in October 2025.
Argonne National Laboratory Educational Programs and Outreach
Contact: Jessica Burgess; join the education volunteer listserv
Argonne is a 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 protecting ourselves and our environment. Educational Programs and Outreach uses immersive and engaging programs to create STEM pathways for students throughout their journeys. 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 towards 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
Beat the Streets
Contact: Adam Lemke-Bell
Beat the Streets Chicago is a non-profit organization that empowers Chicago youth through wrestling. We combine year-round wrestling programs with customized enrichment opportunities so that children can become their best selves. Mentoring, tutoring, workshops and positive relationships combined with the unique power of wrestling changes lives.
We welcome youth aged 5 through 23, whether they are looking for fun, physical literacy and wellness or something much deeper and impactful. As the largest wrestling organization in Illinois, we reach over 2,500 young people each year through wrestling and enrichment programs at six primary sites and twenty CPS partner sites.
Opportunities: We would like to partner with UChicago to provide quality tutors in math and science to the youth we serve.
Data Science Institute
Contact: Susan Paykin
The Data Science Institute (DSI) 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 offered 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 key deliverables, such as data analysis, open source software, as well as client presentations and research reports. Paid TA opportunities for Clinic are available every quarter.
Data Science for Social Impact Summer Program: The Data Science for Social Impact (DSSI) Summer Experience program is a paid, immersive 8-week paid summer research program for undergraduate students in a national network of HBCUs, HSIs, and universities engaging in social impact data science. 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 opportunities for graduate students with background in CS, statistics, or data science to serve as Lab Coordinators in the program. This program runs annually each summer.
Summer Lab: DSI Summer Lab program is an immersive 8-week paid summer research program at the University of Chicago. In the program, 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 interested faculty to serve as mentors. This program runs annually each summer.
Data4All High School Bridge Workshop: Data4All is an 8-week paid 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 undergraduates with background in CS or data science to serve as mentors for the program. Runs weekly on Saturday afternoons for 8 weeks during fall and spring quarters.
Relevant disciplines: Computing, data science, statistics, analytics
Homewood Science Center
Contact: Edie Dobrez
Homewood Science Center is a nonprofit community science center founded in 2016 to serve Chicago’s culturally and economically diverse south suburbs. Our mission is to inspire scientific wonder, learning, and pursuit. We work with educators, STEM professionals, and partner organizations to increase STEM literacy and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM, so students can gain the skills and confidence they need to fully enjoy and contribute to the civic and commercial vibrancy of our region.
Opportunities: 1) Present an interactive activity at STEM Saturdays, 10 am - 1 pm; 2) host an outreach table on a topic about the natural world at Walk Walton on Sunday Oct 20, 9:30 am - 1 pm at Izaak Walton Preserve in Homewood 3) develop a hands-on activity kit for elementary age children; 4) serve as a presenter during Girls STEAM Celebration (Date to be determined, but on usually on a Saturday, Spring 2025, 2-3 hour commitment).
We are flexible! If you have an idea of how to engage with the community, we want to hear it.
Relevant Disciplines: physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, social sciences, mathematics
Illinois Science & Technology Coalition
Contact: Tanvi Dharap, Program Manager of Mentorship, 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: Doug O’Rourk
Math Circles of Chicago (MC2) is the largest math enrichment program in the United States, serving over 4,000 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 of our programs are free.
Opportunities: 1) Volunteer to assist in the UChicago YSP math circle held on Saturday afternoons in Ryerson/Eckhart Hall. 2) Be a paid assistant in one of 25 After School Programs in middle schools across the city. 3). Be a judge at QED, Chicago's Youth Math Symposium, held on a Saturday in December. 4) 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.
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
Contact: Monica Luna
Founded in 1976 as an effort to create pathways of engagement between the University and local schools, the Neighborhood Schools Program has grown and now partners with 35 sites on Chicago's South Side and involves over 350 University student employees/volunteers engaging with more than 3,000 local youth annually. Our 35 sites include elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as community centers. We place students in roles such as tutors, teaching assistants, administrative interns, and preschool specialists.
Opportunities: NSP employees/volunteers can work in schools as tutors, teaching assistants, and/or administrative interns. Some of our highly engaged program participants choose to develop and implement their own after-school initiatives at their placement sites. Science undergrad/grad students would help us make science and science research more accessible to community youth on the South Side of Chicago.
Relevant Disciplines: Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Mathematics
Project Syncere
Contact: Valencia Turner
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 underrepresented 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.
Relevant Disciplines: Engineering, Technology, Science, and Math!
SACNAS
Contact: Diana Acuna or Keishla Colon Montanez
The University of Chicago 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. We build community through monthly meetings to socialize and to share opportunities and resources for professional development, networking, and service. Our goal is to increase representation for minority students in the STEM field and careers at the University of Chicago.
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.
Others Activities: Professional Development and Workshops, Speaker Events, Cultural Events and Social Outings
Relevant Disciplines: physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, mathematics
Scouting America
Contact: David Tafur
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 career exploration. We provide mentorship and leadership opportunities through our partnerships, that include law enforcement agencies, academic institutions, and religious organizations.
Opportunities: We invite alumni and students interested in supporting youth character development to join a local program as a counselor, tutor, or volunteer.
SIRIUS B
Contact: Ava Polzin
SIRIUS B (Sharing Inclusive Research Instruction for Underrepresented Students’ Benefit) is committed to *Sirius-ly* good outreach programming for traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM. We offer both in-person and remote activities to engage middle-to-high school age students with science. They are exposed to higher level research talks and lab tours, panel discussions, and conversations about the role of traditional cultural knowledge. Participating students are given the opportunity to envision themselves as scientists and understand what steps they will need to take to pursue STEM professionally. Each program is generally run across a single weekend, and, in the past, we have had ~20 volunteers (including speakers and chaperones) per weekend. More information is available at siriusb.org.
Opportunities: We plan to run in-person programming (pending funding) which will require chaperones who can monitor students and address any of their concerns during the program. We will also be conducting virtual outreach—generally over a weekend—for students not local to Chicago. For both in-person and remote programming, we look for panelists and speakers to talk about a variety of things relating to their science, their path to/through science, and, potentially, the societal aspects of science.
Relevant Disciplines: Especially astronomy/astrophysics and physics, but not strictly limited!
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Contact: shpe@uchicago.edu
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at the University of Chicago (SHPE UChicago) strives to empower Hispanic students in STEM by fostering a strong sense of community, providing professional development, and creating opportunities for personal and academic growth. Our mission is to increase Hispanic representation in STEM fields and help students build meaningful connections that support their career aspirations. We engage students through monthly meetings, networking events, and outreach initiatives that build a solid foundation for success.
Opportunities:
Noche de Ciencias: An annual outreach event designed to engage Hispanic middle and high school students and their families in STEM education. This program encourages interest in science, technology, engineering, and math, while also providing valuable information about college pathways, scholarships, and resources for aspiring STEM students.
SHPE x Chicago Research and Networking Conference: A premier event for networking, professional development, and showcasing research. This conference brings together Hispanic students and professionals in the Chicago area for a day of presentations, panels, and networking opportunities, providing valuable connections with industry leaders and research opportunities in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Other Activities: Mentorship Programs, Professional Development Workshops, Outreach Activities, Guest Speaker Events, Study Drop-Ins, Cultural and Social Outings
Relevant Disciplines: engineering, physical sciences, biological sciences, computer science
South Side Science Festival
The South Side Science Festival (S3F) is a free, all day, all ages, festival open to the public. It is hosted on-campus by UChicago’s Office of Civic Engagement, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, Physical Sciences Division, Biological Sciences Division, and the UChicago Comprehensive Cancer Center. The goal is to provide multiple on-ramps to STEM programming for youth and STEM-related educational and workforce development opportunities for adults. Programming and demonstrations are provided by UChicago faculty and students.
The mission of S3F is closely aligned with the goals of the University’s Inclusive Innovation initiative, which is focused on advancing opportunities for community members in STEM fields through university programs and partnerships. Stewarded jointly by the Office of Civic Engagement and the Office of Science, Strategy, National Labs, and Global Initiatives, the goals of the initiative will aim to level the playing field for all of those who are interested in STEM.
Opportunities: Community engagement in STEM Education, workforce development
Relevant Disciplines: STEM broadly
Splash! Chicago
Contact: splashchicago@gmail.com
Splash! Chicago organizes free programs for high school students featuring classes designed and taught by UChicago students. Classes span all subject areas, from black holes to the philosophy of TV. 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.
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 programs!
Relevant Disciplines: Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts
Tutoring Chicago
Contact: Eric Bugarin
Tutoring Chicago is a private, non-profit organization that provides free weekly tutoring to over 1,000 Chicagoland students in grades 1–12 facing economic and social barriers. The organization is entering its 59th year of service and will have a capacity to enroll 1,200 students and volunteers for the 2024-2025 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!
In order to meet the needs of the growing number of students, Tutoring Chicago is looking to secure more dynamic volunteer tutors remotely or at our Lincoln Park, Logan Square and new Southside location, located 4 miles away from the UChicago campus. Tutoring Chicago also provides occasional one-time volunteer opportunities where support is needed for various activities and events. Tutoring Chicago will offer 4 programs on 3 days both in-person and virtually for the 2024-2025 program year.
Relevant Disciplines: Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics
UChicago Computational Biology Outreach (UC COMBO)
Contact: Maggie Steiner
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 Department, Cosmic Microwave Background Stage 4 (CMB-S4) Collaboration, and South Pole Telescope Project
Contact: Juliet Crowell
Astronomy & Astrophysics Department Outreach
A wide range of education and outreach opportunities are available on campus and in the Chicago area. From early childhood enrichment at local preschools to lectures at libraries and community centers for older adults, department members are active in sharing the excitement of discovery 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 them to approach science as a tool for exploring and understanding their own curiosities and intuition. Read more.
CMB-S4 Outreach Mission
The CMB-S4 Collaboration is committed to a robust program of education and public outreach (EPO). The CMB-S4 EPO program engages the public, families, and K-12 students with cutting-edge science that seeks to inspire wonder and curiosity across a range of audiences. Our research attempts to answer some of the most fundamental questions in our universe. 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: Busayo Bolonduro
We are a student-run organization that aims to facilitate professional development in the area of biotechnology research and the life sciences in general. Our focus is on connecting 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 for new people to take over the leadership roles of President and Secretary! In addition, we are always recruiting for our steering committee and for general membership. 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 to meet other students/postdocs interested in biotechnology and the life sciences, develop connections with alumni, and learn more about the field. UCBA 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: Laura Tharsen 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 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
Organizers
Questions? Contact Jennifer Woods
Co-sponsors include the Physical Sciences Division, the Division of Biological Sciences, the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, the Division of Social Sciences, the College, and the Office of Civic Engagement.
