The Partnerships for Informal Science Education in the Community

Announcement

The PISEC program, which is designed to enhance enjoyment, appreciation, awareness, and proficiency in science among children attending underserved public schools was paused on February 3, 2025 in compliance with the NSF directive of January 29, 2025 which called on PIs to cease "grant activity that uses or promotes the use of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) principles."

We are grateful that for the Spring 2025 semester the CU Science ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ18y PISEC program is running at a reduced capacity. 

For further information about the program, contact Noah Finkelstein: Noah.Finkelstein@colorado.edu

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The Partnerships for Informal Science Education in the Community

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PISEC Facilitates Community Partnerships

The Partnerships for Informal Science Education in the Community (PISEC) program connects CU Boulder volunteers with local K-12 students to engage in inquiry-based science activities in a playful, engaging, and welcoming environment. Working primarily with youth from groups underserved and underrepresented in STEM, PISEC seeks to support students’ development of their own science identity and to cultivate and sustain students' interest in science by providing transformative and empowering experiences. Simultaneously, we offer valuable teaching, science communication, and leadership experience for the program volunteers. PISEC is committed to sustaining mutually beneficial partnerships with schools and community organizations, providing opportunities for CU mentors and K-12 students to develop relationships over the course of a semester. 

PISEC is supported by the National Science Foundation through the , the , and the .

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Sign up to volunteer for PISEC - Spring 2025!

PISEC is recruiting university volunteers for the Spring 2025 semester! Any undergraduate student, graduate student, postdoc, staff member, CU affiliate, etc. with an interest in STEM is welcome to join. Please attend one of the following information sessions if you can, or email the PISEC director (jessica.hoehn@colorado.edu) for more info. 

  • Wednesday, 1/15, 12:15-1:15pm, Cristol 332 
  • Thursday, 1/16, 10-11am, JILA X317 
  • Friday, 1/17, 3-4pm, Zoom (email Jessica.Hoehn@colorado.edu for the link)
  • Tuesday, 1/21, 2-3pm, JILA X325 
  • Wednesday, 1/22, 10-11am, JILA X325 

To sign up, please fill out by 8am on Friday, Jan. 24th.Â