Group Description

Categories: Academic and Educational, Other, Service

Teaching SMART (Science, Math And Research Technology) is a volunteer program that connects university students to local elementary schools to teach children about research and technology in the fields of science and mathematics. If you like working with children and want to make an impact in your community, Teaching SMART is the program for you!

Teaching SMART comprises both graduate and undergraduate students from the University. Our volunteers come from all disciplines, not just science and math fields, infusing our program with a wide variety of perspectives and enthusiasm. Teaching SMART’s primary objective is to introduce elementary school students to technology and its applications. If you enjoy working with children and would like to share your knowledge and skills in a meaningful and rewarding way, please contact t-smart@umn.edu.

Group's principal activities, events, or programs:

We offer two types of activities:
- Volunteer sessions in the public schools that range from 1-2 hour sessions

- Volunteer sessions at UMN when elementary school students visit the campus

Our aims are the following:
• Reaching out to historically under-represented and low-income students and connecting them to a higher education institution
• Providing role models for younger students
• Creating a link between the university and the surrounding communities

How this group's activities benefit the University community:

Our activities benefit the UMN community:
• Raise awareness in the current generation of college students about the diversity and breadth of the communities surrounding the Twin Cities campuses
• Create a much needed link between undergraduate and graduate students
• Allow undergraduate and graduate students to employ their skills in a non-academic setting

How this group fits into its categories:

Teaching SMART is a service organization aimed at connecting the university community with its surrounding communities. It provides a chance to build leadership skills and allows you to work with enthusiastic children who want to learn.

How to get involved with this group:

If you are interested in working with Teaching SMART, please contact t-smart@umn.edu.