Grad Students Win Support for STEM Outreach Program

Eric Schwartz, Katherine Acord and Jennifer Schuler Nov. 6, 2018 - The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation (CGIF) has granted funds and classroom science kits to the Graduate Student Association (GSA) within the Samueli School Departments of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) and Materials Science & Engineering (MSE). The gift will fund a series of STEM workshops, which the graduate students will hold at a local public library.

With this support, the GSA will host six workshops for K-12 youth in the afterschool program at the Rancho Santa Margarita Public Library. The workshops will begin in January. The CGIF donated $1,500 and five materials science kits that provide teacher-based lesson plans and supplies for interactive projects.

The CBE/MSE GSA seeks to encourage and increase interest in STEM, provide an inclusive and engaging learning experience that will specifically foster interest in ceramics and glass, and offer a diverse group of graduate students as mentors and examples of success.

“The involvement of graduate students provides a unique opportunity for young students to learn from others whom they can look up to,” said Katherine Acord, a third-year doctoral student in materials science and engineering, who is spearheading the project.

– Lori Brandt

Share

  • X