Inspire and Prepare

Objective 1

Aimed at K-12 students in Idaho, University of Idaho will be a leader in programs that excite students about the possibilities of STEM higher education and STEM careers, make them aware of the educational and workforce opportunities and pathways, and prepare them to successfully pursue those pathways.

Outreach is Essential: Diversity is a critical component of Objective 1, reaching students across Idaho, from rural communities, under-represented populations and first generation college families. Outreach activities focus on career awareness and experiential learning that are sure to excite students. A key to meeting this objective is establishing and monitoring metrics that allow us to evaluate outreach effectiveness.

Preparing students means preparing teachers: University of Idaho is preparing the K-12 teachers of the future with robust elementary and secondary programs that incorporate STEM. Building on the expertise and experience in the College of Education, U of I will continue to prepare quality pre-service teachers while leading efforts to offer critical STEM professional development opportunities to Idaho’s in-service educators.

Outcomes: With these teacher education and student outreach efforts, U of I will benefit from increased enrollment and increased representation of under-represented minorities in undergraduate STEM degrees.

By sharing evidence-based best practices, U of I will be recognized statewide and nationally as a leader in K-12 STEM Education.