Outreach Programs

Below is a list of ongoing outreach programs in which members of the Caltech community can participate. Traditionally these are in-person programs but those marked with an asterisk (*) have potential to be offered in virtual settings. Except where noted, contact Kitty Cahalan, kcahalan@caltech.edu, if interested in participating. 

Formal: Classroom-Based Outreach

Visiting Scientists*

Description: Teach hands-on science lessons weekly or bi-weekly at a local elementary school

Caltech participants: Graduate students and postdocs

Classroom Presentations*

Description: Give guest presentations and demonstrations at local schools on current research and cutting-edge science

Caltech participants: Undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, staff

Teacher Professional Development*

Description: Work with local STEM teachers on curriculum development

Caltech participants: Undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, staff

Coding in the Classroom

Description: Provide coding instruction weekly at a local elementary school

Caltech participants: Undergraduates enrolled in CS 42 course

Informal: Community-Based Outreach

Science Nights

Description: Take hands-on demonstrations to local school science nights and community events

Caltech participants: Undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, staff

Caltech Experiences*

Description: Bring local school groups to campus for lab tours and STEM activities

Caltech participants: Undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, staff

RISE* (through Caltech Y)

Description: Tutor local high school students in math and science

Caltech participants: Undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs

Contact: rise@caltech.edu

Research and Mentorship

Solar Energy Activity Lab (SEAL)

Description: Mentor high school clubs developing techniques to convert sunlight to consumable energy

Caltech participants: Graduate students and postdocs in chemistry, materials science or environmental engineering

Summer Research Connection*

Description: Oversee high school student summer research projects

Caltech participants: Graduate students, postdocs, faculty, staff attached to labs with a PI willing to host a summer project

Don't see a program that suits your interests, or you have an idea for a new program you'd like to develop? Contact Kitty Cahalan, kcahalan@caltech.edu to discuss!