Student Outreach Opportunities

Many CTSGC student awards include an outreach requirement as part of the program's commitment to STEM education and community engagement. Outreach activities help expand awareness of NASA and CTSGC programs while inspiring future generations to explore STEM education and careers.

As a CTSGC award recipient, you are encouraged to share your knowledge, research experiences, and passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with your community. Whether through mentoring, classroom presentations, hands-on activities, or community events, your contributions help strengthen Connecticut's STEM workforce pipeline and support the next generation of scientists, engineers, educators, and innovators.

Please review the outreach requirements specified in your award agreement. Required outreach activities must be documented and included with your final report. Failure to complete required outreach obligations may affect award closeout and future eligibility for CTSGC funding.

The examples below provide ideas for meaningful outreach opportunities within your community.

Community College Outreach

  • Present to community college students about STEM degree programs, research opportunities, or career pathways.
  • Mentor students interested in pursuing STEM education or transferring to four-year institutions.

Elementary School and Youth Programs

  • Lead STEM-focused activities for after-school programs.
  • Partner with local libraries to develop science demonstrations or educational workshops.
  • Help establish or support science and engineering maker spaces.
  • Organize hands-on STEM learning experiences for younger students.

Middle and High School Outreach

  • Speak with students about STEM careers, higher education, and research experiences.
  • Volunteer as a science fair judge.
  • Support STEM clubs, competitions, or after-school activities.
  • Develop and facilitate STEM demonstrations, workshops, or classroom activities.

Community and Youth Organizations

Partner with local organizations to promote STEM learning through mentoring, coaching, and educational programming.

Examples include:

  • 4-H STEM & Agriculture
  • Black Girls Code
  • Girls Who Code
  • Scouts BSA
  • STEM Scouts
  • Girl Scouts of Connecticut
  • Connecticut Invention Convention

Many organizations regularly seek volunteers, mentors, judges, and STEM professionals to support their programs. Additional opportunities can be found through VolunteerMatch:

https://www.volunteermatch.org/

Need Help Getting Started?

Your institution's Campus Director can help identify outreach opportunities and connect you with schools, community organizations, and STEM programs in your area.

Find your Campus Director:
https://ctspacegrant.org/ctsgc-campus-directors

Through outreach, CTSGC award recipients help advance the mission of both NASA and the Connecticut Space Grant Consortium by expanding access to STEM opportunities, building community connections, and inspiring lifelong curiosity, discovery, and innovation.