Outreach Programs

Below is a list of ongoing outreach programs in which members of the Caltech community can participate. Except where noted, contact Kitty Cahalan, kcahalan@caltech.edu, if interested in participating.

NOTE TO K-12 SCHOOLS: For logistical reasons, we only attend school events within an 8 mile radius of campus. If you are seeking a Caltech presence for a college and career fair, please contact the Caltech Admissions Office.

Formal: Classroom-Based Outreach

Visiting Scientists

Description: Teach hands-on science lessons weekly or bi-weekly at a local elementary schoolCaltech participants: Graduate students and postdocs

Classroom Presentations

Description: Give guest presentations and demonstrations at local schools on current research and cutting-edge scienceCaltech participants: Undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, staff

Teacher Professional Development

Description: Work with local STEM teachers on curriculum developmentCaltech participants: Undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, staff

Coding Demonstrations

Description: Creating coding activities to be presented at local science nightsCaltech 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 eventsCaltech participants: Undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, staff

Caltech Experiences

Description: Bring local school groups to campus for lab tours and STEM activitiesCaltech participants: Undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, faculty, staff

RISE (through Caltech Y)

Description: Tutor local high school students in math and scienceCaltech participants: Undergraduates, graduate students, postdocsContact: rise@caltech.edu

Research and Mentorship

Solar Energy Activity Lab (SEAL)

Description: Mentor high school clubs researching sustainable energyCaltech participants: Graduate students and postdocs in chemistry, materials science or environmental engineeringNOTE: At this time, this program is only open to Blair School, Crescenta Valley High School, Benjamin Franklin High School, and Institute for Educational Advancement

Summer Research Connection

Description: Oversee high school student summer research projectsCaltech participants: Graduate students, postdocs, faculty, staff attached to labs with a PI willing to host a summer projectNOTE for high school students/parents: Caltech CTLO only accepts students enrolled in specific schools for this program. Please visit this page for more information.

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!