STEMCAP and INSPIRE, Volunteer Opportunity

July 27, 2022

Two public engagement programs at the University of Utah seek scientists and artists interested in opportunities to work with scientifically-underserved individuals currently in Youth-In-Custody centers and the Salt Lake County Jail:

1. Initiative to bring Science Programs to the Incarcerated (INSPIRE) was established in 2014 to bring science lectures, conservation projects, and nature imagery to adults who are incarcerated in Utah. Currently, INSPIRE focuses on hands-on conservation projects at the Salt Lake County Jail.

2. STEM Community Alliance Program (STEMCAP) provides workshops to Youth-In-Custody (YIC) students that explore facets of STEM through interactions with scientists, artists, and community groups.

Scientists (faculty, post-docs, and graduate students) work with INSPIRE and STEMCAP staff to develop presentations that best fit the scientists’ work and their public engagement and Broader Impacts goals. As a component of STEMCAP, artists partner with scientists or present their own STEM-engaged creative works. Presenters meet with staff as they develop presentation materials suited to these facilities and audiences. Staff review presenters’ materials and offer advice and mentorship and work with presenters to brainstorm appropriate hands-on activities. Staff serve as the main point of contact for YIC centers and Jail and guide scientists in safety and security procedures.

Topics/disciplines include the traditional STEM areas and the social and health sciences. Artists and writers whose work engages with these disciplines or who seek an opportunity to work with a scientist are encouraged to apply. Presentations range from 45-80 minutes long depending on the location.

For more information, see the attached flyers and visit our websites:

INSPIRE https://inspirescience.org

STEMCAP: www.stemcap.org

To present with STEMCAP or INSPIRE fill out a presenter information form:

INSPIRE: https://forms.gle/bYpZ1oNYSsfqokeYA

STEMCAP: https://forms.gle/QX59AnmH9npMMyXM8

Please contact Associate Director Laura George (laura.george@utah.edu) with questions.