Outreach activities consist of student-driven events that build community awareness of neuroscience scholarship, higher ed STEM pathways, and current active research for the lay public to showcase science in society. Additionally, it is community-building and service to support students in leaning into STEM rigor.
At MiNDS, we believe that scientific identity begins long before students enter a research lab. Through partnerships with programs such as Carver Engineering and Science High School, Community College of Philadelphia, Upward Bound, and Temple BRIDGE, MiNDS scholars engage in outreach designed to push into the city of Philadelphia and actualize Temple’s mission to make education accessible to all. Our work is to demystify research careers, expand access to STEM opportunities, and help younger students or students earlier in their academic journey to envision themselves as future scientists. Throughout the year, scholars lead interactive discussions on neuroscience, college access, research pathways, and life as a STEM student, serving as relatable near-peer role models for students who may not otherwise have exposure to research environments. These experiences not only strengthen the scientific pipeline but also reinforce a core value of the MiNDS program: creating pathways to opportunity and ensuring that the next generation of scholars can see themselves reflected in science spaces.
