To reach the next generation the Center engages entire communities—students, families, educators, and the public—through science education programs that provide multiple pathways for student learning.

The Center is charged with developing and delivering education and public outreach programs serving educators and students in grades preK-20, and the public. A wide array of program formats addresses formal education venues (e.g., classrooms) and informal venues (e.g., museums and science centers), through professional development for educators, student programs, public programs, exhibitions, and distance learning.

This ‘learning community’ model defines the kinds of programs that the Center is committed to delivering. Three criteria govern how these programs are to be delivered—

• Programs are strategic–addressing a community’s unique needs in STEM education. The breadth of the Center’s program capabilities allows programs to be tailored to the community.

• Programs are delivered systemically–providing audiences across entire school districts with experiences that are embedded at the curricular level, and enhanced at home and in informal venues like
  museums and science centers.

• Programs are designed and implemented to be sustainable, providing programming, content, and resources on an ongoing basis, so a lasting difference can be achieved.

Community program models have been developed and assessed over a wide range of environs, including: under-served rural communities with both large and small geographic footprints; inner-city urban areas with high minority populations; a multiple school district model; school district-led, science center-led, and university-led initiatives; a single grade level model across a large school system; and a comprehensive grade preK-20 approach in smaller school districts.