In a collaborative effort to increase public scientific literacy and provide unique professional development experiences for graduate students, MONET trainees, led by Jolly Patro from Julia Kalow's lab, partnered with Science Olympiad and the Carole Robertson Learning Center to host a series of 6 outreach events for inner-city Chicago youth. 

The events, held on consecutive Mondays from June 24 to August 5, 2024, engaged approximately 15 students aged 5-17 who were part of the Carole Robertson Center for Learning's Summer Day Camp. The outreach events promoted social-emotional learning, problem-solving skills, and team-building through fun and engaging science activities. 

One notable activity, initially created by MONET graduate trainee Haley Beech at MIT and adapted by MONET's Director of Innovation Outreach Diversity and Education, Vanessa Rosa, explored the materials science behind soccer balls, providing students with a hands-on, phenomenon-centered learning experience. 

Several MONET graduate student trainees from the Kalow lab, including Alexis Martell, Emmanuel Alejandro Garcia Villatoro, Christina Hemmingsen, Haley McAllister, and undergraduate researcher Hailey Silva, supported Jolly throughout the outreach initiative. This experience served as a valuable SPDE for graduate students, allowing them to develop and refine their skills in science communication, content creation, and outreach. By engaging with the community and adapting complex scientific concepts for a younger audience, the trainees enhanced their career readiness. They gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of public engagement in science. 

Christina Hemmingsen also played a crucial role in delivering Summer Science kits to students in the Chicago area, ensuring that participants had access to the necessary materials for the activities. This experience further contributed to her professional development as a science communicator and educator. 

Post-event interviews with students and their teacher, Kaharie Charles, revealed the positive impact of the outreach events. 80% of participants reported an increased interest in science and a better understanding of basic scientific concepts. The consistency and hands-on nature of the activities were praised by both students and educators, who expressed a desire for more regular exposure to engaging science content throughout the school year. 

By combining ISC and HEPD objectives, this initiative successfully increased public scientific literacy while providing graduate students with valuable opportunities to develop essential skills for their future careers as scientists and leaders in their fields.