These WISCIENCE programs and courses provide public service-learning experiences that build science literacy for undergraduate and graduate students. Our programs and courses develop participants’ skills, knowledge, and confidence as a STEM learner and future professionals.
Community Engagement Learning for Undergraduate Students
Exploring Service in STEM – INTEGSCI 140
A discussion-based seminar introducing first-year STEM students to the world of public service from the perspective of both the university and its community partners. Classroom activities and direct campus and off-campus experiences are included. Service opportunities include STEM outreach, sustainability, and public health. Involves approximately 1 hour per week of public service.
| first-year undergrad, credits 1 |
Service with Youth in STEM – INTEGSCI 240
Teaches students about community engagement experiences, focusing on building community partnerships, understanding organizational missions and community needs, assessment of informal science outreach experiences, and issues related to scientific literacy and access to science.
| undergrad, credits 2 |
Service with Youth in STEM II – INTEGSCI 340
Applies communication skills and social awareness issues in ways that enable students to work with increasing levels of independence in building and maintaining community relationships compared to INTEGSCI 240. Includes a lab section applied to lecture experiences to prepare for work with children in elementary after-school science clubs and to focus on different styles of communication. The multi-disciplinary focus of the after-school lessons develops connections between students’ field of study and others within STEM. In the service learning component, students apply academic knowledge through science education and outreach experiences in a community-focused and culturally sensitive way. Students work with underrepresented students in the Madison metropolitan area in elementary after-school science clubs, and are expected to critically reflect on the ties between their academic and community partnerships, and differences between campus and community culture.
| undergrad, credits 2 |
Service with Youth in STEM Practicum – INTEGSCI 341
Apply communication, cultural competency, and leadership skills to work with community partners in a service learning practicum. Work with underrepresented students in the Madison metropolitan area in elementary after-school science clubs, and critically reflect on the ties between their academic and community partnerships, and differences between campus and community culture. Work with different community partners than they did in previous Service with Youth in STEM courses. This practicum combines the service experience with an in-class component to prepare to provide opportunities to critically reflect upon the ties between academic preparation and community partnerships, and on their experiences in varied community settings.
| undergrad, credits 1 |
Community Engagement for Graduate & Postdoc Students
STEM Public Service Fellows Program
The Public Service Fellows program is a three-semester professional development sequence for graduate and postdoc students in STEM who care about the social impact of their work.
| grad & postdoc |
Public Service in STEM – INTEGSCI 640
Discusses the fundamentals of public service and civic engagement in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines grounded in evidence-based knowledge and research. Provides an overview of the core pathways of public service, the knowledge required to effectively initiate and cultivate community partnerships, and the skills necessary to reflect upon personal experiences with community engagement activities. Fosters understanding of the broader impacts in STEM fields and prepares students to begin specializing in a specific pathway and develop relationships with a community partner. This course is required for Public Service Fellows program participants.
| grad, credits 1 |
Community Relationship and Materials Development in STEM Public Service – INTEGSCI 740
Provides opportunities for practical application of public service knowledge. Discusses development of a workplan for long-term projects, provides strategies to initiate community partnerships, and fosters development of materials for use in a community-based practicum. Includes time to work intensively on acquiring pathway-specific knowledge and skills and opportunities to practice, problem-solve, and support cohort members within and across public service pathways. This course is required for Public Service Fellows program participants.
| grad, credits 1 |
Mentored Practicum in STEM Public Service – INTEGSCI 840
Develops community-engagement in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) through a mentored public service experience. Provides opportunities to refine and implement skills necessary to work with a community partner to implement and evaluate a project that is mutually beneficial in process and product. Places emphasis on professional development within a selected pathway (direct service, community engaged teaching, policy and governance, or social entrepreneurship/corporate social responsibility). Includes time to meet within specialized pathways and as a full cohort throughout the implementation of the practicum experience. This course is required for Public Service Fellows program participants.
| grad, credits 1 |
Community Engagement in the Community
ARMS Program
ARMS, the Adult Role Models in Science program, provides opportunities for people of all ages to engage with the Madison community in the context of science.
Science Alliance
Anyone can join UW–Madison Science Alliance: university or college scientists and students, outreach staff, K-12 educators, parents, lifelong learners, and anyone interested in science outreach.