The Kenyon Science Education & Outreach Scholars program provides opportunities in research and outreach for students interested in science education and community engagement. Selected scholars will work with the Office of Community Partnerships, natural sciences faculty and local science teachers to develop and conduct targeted science programming for K-12 students. Students will develop educational modules during the summer and carry out the work in the community the following year.

Program Requirements

Science Education & Outreach Scholars Scholars will work on a team to collaborate with science educators and design modules for the classroom and outreach settings. Module development will be conducted on campus over an 8-week period in the summer. In the first few weeks, students will work with the Office of Community Partnerships and local educators to understand best practices in science education. Students will then work with faculty mentors, primarily Sarah Petersen, to develop and test modules with appropriate scientific education goals. At the end of the summer, students will submit written project descriptions to the Office of Community Partnerships and natural sciences faculty participating in the program, including programming logistics for the upcoming academic year.

Scholars will then carry out their modules in the following academic year in two community-engaged activities. First, scholars will serve as student directors for the Science Saturday programming in the fall. Second, scholars will participate in education modules in the local schools in the spring. Following approval from mentors, students are encouraged to publish their work for a broader audience.

Student Eligibility

Science Education & Outreach Scholars should have demonstrated interest in science and/or math. Students are eligible to apply after their first, sophomore or junior year. While students may have previously participated in summer research, this is not a requirement. Students may apply both for this program and Cascade Science Scholars program in the same year, but they may only accept one of the positions. Faculty mentors are pre-selected for participation in this program, so securing a faculty mentor is not required for application. Students with questions about student eligibility should contact the director of the Office of Community Partnerships, Julie Brodie, or Sarah Petersen.

Application Process

A complete application consists of:

  • The Science Education & Outreach Scholars Application (the 2026 due date is Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11 p.m.)

  • Personal Statement: Applicants should compose a concise 300-word statement about how their coursework, interests, and aspirations have prepared them for this program. Applicants should indicate their interests in science, education, and leadership within this statement.

Awards will be announced via email by mid-April. Students may not accept this award if they are participating in another summer research program or if they have on-campus summer employment. If they accept the award, they are expected to commit to this program and remove themselves from consideration in other programs.

Selection Criteria

Two scholars will be selected for summer 2026. Selections will be made by a committee of faculty mentors and the Office of Community Partnerships. Science Education & Outreach Scholars will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • The potential impact of program participation on the student and the community.
  • The student’s commitment to both science education and community outreach.

Fellowship and Expenses

The current fellowship award is $5,000 per student plus provision of on-campus housing. Students are expected to stay in residence on campus during the program. 

A budget of $500 is provided to purchase materials and equipment that directly supports project development and execution over the following academic year. Any durable materials, supplies, and equipment will become the property of the College and remain with the faculty mentor after the summer. All expenses must be approved by the faculty mentor and submitted with original invoice or receipt to the administrative assistant for the faculty mentor’s department. 

Human Subjects Research and Vertebrate Animal Research

Education projects that involve data collection or analysis of human subjects must apply to the Kenyon College Institutional Review Board (IRB) for review of their proposal. Information about the IRB application may be found on the IRB web page. Students must also complete Vertebrate Animal research training in the first week of the program to comply with IACUC regulations.