Broader Impacts Fair

Broader Impacts Fair

The Broader Impacts Fair was held on October 4, 2022. Over 20 organizations were present to inform students, faculty, postdocs, and staff about opportunities to engage in education, policy, and public outreach. If you were not able to attend the Fair, you are welcome to contact the representatives anytime to learn more about their volunteer opportunities.

Watch this space for the next Broader Impacts Fair in early October 2023!

Participants

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

Carole Robertson Center for Learning

Contact: Kenny Riley

The Carole Robertson Center for Learning is a private non-profit organization serving more than 1000 children and their families on the west side 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 and Social Emotional Learning programming.  

Opportunities: We need volunteers to lead STEM activities with youth. Help inspire future scientists. Help analyze program quality data. Support youth with math homework, lead virtual STEM classes, or coach an in-person Destination Imagination STEM team.

Relevant Disciplines: mathematics, social sciences

Chicago Pre-College Science and Engineering Program

Contact: Kenneth Hill

ChiS&E’s mission is to motivate and prepare historically under-represented groups (African Americans, Latinos) for careers in science, mathematics, engineering, or computer science.

Opportunities: We’d like to partner with UChicago to provide Saturday enrichment classes in science, computer science, mathematics and engineering.

Relevant disciplines: physical sciences, engineering, mathematics

Code Your Dreams

Contact: Brianne Caplan

Code Your Dreams is a nonprofit organization that drives equity in computer science education and builds pathways for students from diverse backgrounds into technology. We bring trained teachers, technology and curriculum to K-12 students at schools and community centers around the world, in addition to adult students within prisons and re-entry centers in the United States. We teach programs including application development, web development, data science and analytics, user interface and user experience design, and more. All programs are student-centered and project-based where students are challenged to build technology that makes a difference in their own communities. Learn more at www.codeyourdreams.org!

Opportunities: 1) Volunteer or intern in roles such as curriculum development, software integration engineering, financial analysis or marketing. 2) Volunteer or intern as a teaching assistant in a K-12 classroom (in-person and virtual opportunities available). 3) Help expand our laptop donation drive and other fundraising activities.

Relevant Disciplines: Computer Science, Data Science, Education, Engineering, Technology, Statistics

Collegiate Scholars

Contact: Ann Merrell or Abel Ochoa

Founded in 2003 and operated through the University of Chicago's Office of Civic Engagement, the Collegiate Scholars Program (CSP) is a three-year program designed to encourage high achieving and underrepresented Chicago Public Schools students to apply to and succeed at highly selective colleges and universities. CSP is shaped around a core curriculum of humanities, social science, math, and science courses. During the summer months, scholars are taught by University of Chicago faculty and PhD candidates. Enrichment activities during the academic year are geared toward college readiness, leadership development, civic engagement and cultural exploration.

Opportunities: In the summer, faculty and graduate students teach college-level courses to high school students. As an alternative to teaching a course, faculty and graduate students can also supervise a high school student intern to conduct summer research. During the academic year, volunteers can work with the Collegiate Scholars Program by offering a workshop, panel discussion, or other enrichment program to CSP high school 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.  

Relevant Disciplines: physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, social sciences

Data Science Institute

Contact: Questions about any of the opportunities listed below? Please email data-science@uchicago.edu

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: 

DSI Summer Lab: Paid opportunity for undergraduate and Masters students to engage as research assistants on data science research projects. Paid opportunity for PhD students with background in CS, statistics, or data science to serve as Lab Coordinators in the program. Opportunity for interested faculty to serve as mentors. Runs annually each summer. Application for 2023 program to be launched later this fall.

Data4All High School Bridge Workshop: Paid opportunity for undergraduates with background in CS or data science to serve as mentors in the Data4All workshop, teaching Chicagoland area high schoolers introductory data science skills. Undergraduate mentors receive $2,000 stipend for their contributions, and participate in trauma-informed facilitation training. Runs weekly on Saturday afternoons for 8 weeks during fall and spring quarters.

Data Science Clinic: The Data Science Clinic is an experiential project-based course. Clinic gives students the opportunity to solve real-world problems from industry, government and nonprofits under the guidance of expert mentors. Clinic TA opportunities are available every quarter. 

Community Data Fellows: The DSI seeks multiple RAs from social science and computational backgrounds to serve as Community Data Fellows. The RAs will provide assistance to local nonprofits to help address data capacity and project needs. This unique opportunity is aimed at students interested in developing real-world solutions to data problems across multiple social impact areas. Opportunities will open in Fall and Winter quarters.

Relevant disciplines: Any discipline that intersects with computing and data science

Expanding Your Horizons

Contact: Maggie Steiner and Alexis Thornburg

Expanding Your Horizons Chicago (EYH Chicago) is a non-for-profit organization whose mission is to increase the representation of women from diverse backgrounds in STEM careers by exposing middle-school girls to positive, hands-on STEM experiences. We organize a one-day symposium for middle school girls in the Chicagoland area to engage in exciting workshops. This year’s conference will be held in Spring 2023.

Opportunities: We are looking for both organizing committee members and day-of-event volunteers. The organizing committee works year-round to plan EYH, doing everything from fundraising to social media to recruiting workshop leaders, and more. The committee meets once a month from September – January, then twice a month until the event in March. Day of volunteers attend one training session, then volunteer during the day of the event. If you’re interested in joining, drop in on one of our monthly meetings.

Relevant Disciplines: physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, social sciences, mathematics

Girls Who Code

Contact: Rose Bradford

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 Girls Who Code to provide free and flexible computer science programs for 3rd-12th grade students to learn how to make a positive impact on the world through computer science.

Opportunities: We are looking to hire facilitators to lead local Girls Who Code clubs for three hours per week for 10-week sessions. A typical club meets for 1-2 hours for 10+ sessions during the year, either in-person or virtually. The pay rate is $25 per hour. If interested, please contact rose@ttic.edu.

Relevant Disciplines: computer science, information technology

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 23, 9 am - 1 pm at Izaak Walton Preserve in Homewood 3) develop a hands-on activity kit for elementary age children;  4) serve as a mentor during Girls STEAM Ahead Success Club.  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 - Education

Contact: Becky Goldberg

The Illinois Science & Technology Coalition - Education team provides programs and partnerships to connect companies and universities with classrooms. ISTC - Education supports high schools, universities, and companies who want to impact the next generation of innovators to build a stronger, more inclusive talent pipeline in Illinois.

Opportunities: The ISTC - Education team hosts a virtual mentoring platform called The Mentor Matching Engine (MME). MME is an online collaboration tool that pairs high school students with mentors to collaborate on student-driven research projects. MME is a great way to give back to younger students—anytime, anywhere. It is also a helpful way to build your own experience in your field of study, build your CV, get students interested in your university, and interact with your community. We typically ask mentors to commit about half an hour a week. Communication is entirely virtual with all discussion and video conferencing through the platform. Mentoring on MME is a great way to reach students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to work with mentors like you.

Relevant Disciplines: social science, psychology, engineering, biology, technology

Materials Research Sceince and Engineering Center (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:

MRSEC Outreach Day. Graduate students from GSPA are organizing a MRSEC Outreach Day intended for our community and UChicago. Our graduate students will lead hands-on science demos for local elementary/ middle school students and provide talks to UChicago students about the various MRSEC outreach opportunities they can get involved in. 

After-School Science Clubs. Our weekly after-school science clubs serve high-needs schools in the Chicago Public School district serving a predominantly minority and low-income student population. We worked with local teachers to identify a need in their curriculum for circuits/ robotics/ programming and designed science units to address this need. Graduate students and postdocs from UChicago help lead these Science Club sessions at Dixon and Doolittle Schools.

Field Trips. The MRSEC team hosts field trips for K-12 students throughout the school year, and visitors are invited to attend a lab tour, campus tour, and participate in hands-on science activities. Previously, we have even collaborated with the SMART Museum to showcase the intersection of art and science.

Family Science Nights. During Family Science Nights, our team of volunteers support K-12 schools in designing and running interactive science activities for students and their families. 

Modern Materials Technologies. Modern Materials Technologies is a weekly colloquium designed and taught by graduate students at Lindblom High School.

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 50 sites on Chicago's South Side and involves over 500 University student employees/volunteers engaging with more than 4,000 local youth annually. Our 50 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

Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)

Contact: Keishla Colon-Montanez, Anna Martinez, Juan Ibarra

The mission of UChicago SACNAS is to enhance the public understanding of and appreciation of our vibrant Chicano, Latino, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and minority communities in STEM at the University of Chicago and beyond. Through various programs and advocacy, we both empower and support inclusivity, professional advancement, and educational opportunity for STEM students and trainees to succeed in their respective fields. We further provide a forum for students of color to come together for academic, community service and social activities.  

Opportunities: Executive leadership, project leaders, mentorship, service, outreach  

Relevant disciplines: biological sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, engineering, mathematics  

Splash! Chicago

Contact: Geneva Schlafly

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 a one-day program in both the fall and the winter, and a five-week Tuesday night 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: You would 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: You would join us on 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, Engineering, Mathematics

Best suited for: Undergraduate students, Graduate students, Postdocs

South Side Science Festival

Contact: Aleks Ninova-Parris

Tech Corps

Contact: Jeremy Rembert

We believe all K-12 students should have access to high-quality computer science learning experiences. Computer science is not about learning how to use a computer, or even just programming. Computer science is about deeper learning – computational thinking, problem solving, and creativity. We believe studying computer science, regardless of a student’s ultimate occupation, provides the knowledge and practices necessary to be ready for college or career.

Opportunities:

Family Tech Day. Family Tech Day is a two-hour experience designed specifically for elementary and middle school students and their families. The goal of Family Tech Day is to engage students in activities that can stimulate a deeper interest in computer science, and to provide opportunities for them to learn alongside their parent/guardian and siblings.
Techie Club. Techie Club includes hands-on, interactive lessons and activities tied directly to national computer science standards for elementary students. The lessons focus on a variety of computing topics, promote 21st-century skills, and provide students with an awareness of technology and tech-related careers.
Techie Workshops. Techie Workshops are designed to promote awareness and spark interest in computer science and technology. Through hands-on activities that encourage creative problem solving, teamwork and creativity, students explore topics such as Robotics, Programming, Android App Development, 3D Printing, or Web Development. 

Relevant disciplines: computer science, information technology, or engineering 

Tutoring Chicago

Contact: Eric Bugarin

Tutoring Chicago is a private, non-profit organization that provides free weekly tutoring to over 1,000 1-9 grade Chicagoland students facing economic and social barriers. The organization is entering its 57th year of service and will have a capacity to enroll close to 1,200+ students and volunteers for the 2022-2023 program year!

Opportunities: Tutoring Chicago is always looking for dedicated and committed volunteers to serve as tutors that provide weekly tutoring/mentoring support to our amazing students. Tutors are paired one-to-one with students, and provide support in a variety of different subject areas. Tutoring Chicago has a curated curriculum, training, resources and the support to assure everyone becomes a great tutor, 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. Tutoring Chicago also provides occasional one-time volunteer opportunities where support is needed for various activities and events.  Tutoring Chicago will offer both in-person and virtual/remote options for the 2022-2023 program year.

Relevant Disciplines: Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Engineering, Mathematics

University of Chicago Astronomy & Astrophysics Department and the Cosmic Microwave Background Stage 4 (CMB-S4) 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 for faculty and students in the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. 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.

CMB-S4 Outreach Mission

The CMB-S4 Collaboration is committed to a robust program of education and public outreach (EPO). We focus on broadening the audience of our education and outreach programs to increase the diversity of participation in CMB science and Astronomy and Physics. 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.

Opportunities: We are looking for volunteers 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 grad students and post docs 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 have also held pub nights and other social gatherings open to all interested students, and have hosted speaker events on campus.

Opportunities: We are recruiting positions on our executive team, Secretary and Media Chair, and are also recruiting for general membership. We are also recruiting students to serve as committee chairs for the expansion of additional roles focused on areas such as venture capital, entrepreneurship, pharmaceuticals, and consulting. UCBA membership helps you to meet other graduate students interested in biotechnology and the life sciences, develop connections with older graduate students and alumni, and learn more about the field. UCBA members will be added to our email listserv to receive job opportunities and networking event information such as the annual Pub Night. 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!

Relevant Disciplines: Biological sciences, physical sciences, molecular engineering

University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Contact: Megan Mekinda, 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 Office of Special Programs—College Prep

Contact: Katrina Bowman or  Laura Tharsen

Volunteer Tutor Interest and Availability form

Founded in 1968, The Office of Special Programs - College Prep (OSP-CP) is one of two college readiness programs operating under the Office of Civic Engagement, College Readiness and Access at the University of Chicago.  Program activities provide under-resourced, first-generation, under-represented Chicago public high school students with access to a high quality, holistic system of support that helps to set them on a path for post-secondary education and career success. Academic advising and workshops in college planning, career discovery, and executive skills enhance the curriculum offerings.  

Virtual Tutoring Program: OSP-CP volunteer tutors work in a virtual environment as tutors in all levels of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and AP course work for students in grades 9- 12. OSP students select their tutoring dates and the subjects they will cover each day.  Virtual tutoring timeslots are Monday through Thursday beginning at 4:00 p.m.  We do not book appointments after 6:00 p.m.

Relevant Disciplines: physical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, mathematics, and social 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.