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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