UTeach Outreach
What is UTeach Outreach?
UTeach Outreach is a program housed in the College of Natural Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. We are a branch of UTeach, the premiere university-based secondary STEM teacher preparation program that prepares university students to become science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers. We strive to inspire students to take an active interest in STEM and enhance the abilities of teachers as effective science educators.
UTeach Outreach began as a course that sent UT students into the community to assist teachers by engaging K-6 students with hands-on lessons. Dr. David Laude, then Associate Dean, said he was inspired to start the program while teaching environmental science lessons at his son’s school. Dr. Laude said his lessons received such a positive response that he was convinced an expanded program could enrich grade school curriculum. He was particularly interested in reaching Title 1 schools.
Today, Outreach works on many projects in addition to the UTeach Outreach course including UT student-led after-school clubs, summer camps, student internships, and hands-on activities at a variety of community and university events. UTeach Outreach is one of the college’s largest outreach initiatives, sending approximately 200 UT students and volunteers to teach inquiry-based lessons in Austin-area schools, mentor afterschool STEM clubs, and lead many other efforts to engage the community in STEM.
Our Key Initiatives
Experiential/Service Learning
UT students from all majors earn credit by enrolling in UTeach Outreach courses where they learn to lead rigorous, engaging STEM activities with students in grades 4-8.
To accommodate all students, we offer lower and upper-division courses at various times during the semester.
Afterschool STEM Clubs
Our afterschool programs inspire students in grades 6-8 to discover their talents in STEM. These clubs extend the school-day curriculum and connect students to research, industry practices, and career opportunities.
Outreach students play a vital role in delivering this opportunity.
UT PREP Summer Camps
UT PREP is a series of rigorous academic enrichment courses focusing on computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics, research, and physics.
Theses camps take place on the UT campus and are designed to take place over four consecutive summers beginning in 6th or 7th grade.
"UTeach Outreach is an example of science done right." - Professor of Chemistry and Senior Vice Provost David Laude
"As a principal in Title I school, I wish more of these were available for my students." - Dolores Godinez, Ph.D., principal