FUTURES
FUTURES
a North Carolina Science Festival initiative
FUTURES is a STEM outreach program that empowers community college faculty, staff, students, and alumni to connect with their local community through sharing their personal stories.
This program is currently seeking new campus partners.
FUTURES will expand to over half of all NC community colleges before 2026.
FUTURES is made possible by the generous support of the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation.
Selected FUTURES participants will receive:
- Workshops that help hone their skills in science communication and storytelling
- Professional development opportunities
- Opportunities to network with professionals and connect with their community
- A modest stipend
- Swag
This program consists of the following commitments:
- Complete two two-hour workshops
- Complete at least one consultation
- Develop a personal story
- Participate in at least one virtual or in-person outreach event
- Complete program evaluations
Depending on the location, this program will take an estimated two months to complete. Most participants complete this program within a semester.
FUTURES is here to help support pre-existing events at community colleges by supplying support and trained science storytellers that will be able to promote the college.
Examples of outreach events:
- Open house
- Student recruiting events
- Special events such as induction ceremonies
- Classroom visit
- Science fairs
- Science nights
- Science Cafes
- A two-part special event where students can meet the FUTURES scientists and then conduct experiments with scientists
For more information, please contact the FUTURES team via email: FUTURES@email.unc.edu