Education and Outreach Expo

Aggie ACHIEVE exists as an accommodation to assist college students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to successfully attend college. Aggie ACHIEVE supports both student and faculty by bridging the communication between the student and the professor. Prior to the start of the semester, the student and faculty along with ACHIEVE staff participate in an ILA (Individual Learning Agreement) meeting. During this meeting, faculty provide the student and program staff with the course information, expectations, etc. The student will provide information regarding supports and accommodations he/she may need. Aggie ACHIEVE provides Study Hall support (minimum of 4 hours per week) for each student to be successful in their courses. Faculty are not required to change your teaching style or provide one-on-one instruction. ACHIEVE students can receive additional supports from Disability Resources including note taker assistance, extended time on assignments/tests, alternate assignment, and testing options (ACHIEVE students can submit power point presentations or have shortened tests). The accommodations are discussed as a team during the ILA. Each member of the ILA meeting is provided with a copy of the ILA agreement. Additional faculty support includes open communication with the program if there is an issue and or additional supports are needed. At the end of the semester, faculty completes an end-of-semester ILA to provide feedback on the student’s performance, their experience teaching and ACHIEVE student and if the faculty would like to continue the partnership with Aggie ACHIEVE. Research Support: Research plays an integral role in immersive education for students with disabilities. ACHIEVE students have participated in the research as a research participant as well as a project research team member. Aggie ACHIEVE can support the faculty and student by providing letters of support and or collaboration, a biosketch, disability resource accommodations for the student, Job Coach to support the student in their research assignments, open communication and overall general support.

This Engineering Academic and Student Affairs (EASA) program is designed to provide engineering undergraduates opportunities to collaborate on multidisciplinary teams and work directly with faculty and graduate students in developing solutions for grand engineering challenges facing our society. The program is open to students from freshman to senior level and participants can pursue projects of interest to them and in departments outside their major. Students enroll in and ENGR 291 or 491 section specific to the faculty project. Since 2012, the program attracted more than 2,000 registrations. The program provides faculty an opportunity to identify students across the college with relevant skills to support their research.

Over the past 6 years, hundreds of graduate students, postdocs, and junior faculty have advanced their own research programs while developing critical leadership skills needed in the next stage of their research careers. Team leaders select and manage groups of 3-8 undergraduate researchers recruited with help of the Aggie Research Program. Our research education model has characteristics for successful propagation that are of particular interest to the NSF: 1) Scalability: participation has grown 30% each of the first 5 years, and now creates over 1,200 research and research leadership opportunities per year. 2) Adaptability: the model has been applied to diverse disciplines across 12 colleges at TAMU. 3) Sustainable: the program is very efficient and is supported by recurring funds. 4) Inclusivity: 41% of participants belong to underrepresented groups, which matches the undergraduate student population at TAMU.

This program provides STEM educators with tools necessary for advancements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The Aggie STEM Summer Camps (ASSC) give students real world experiences in STEM education through inquiry learning and provide a world-class university experience with Texas A&M University professors in STEM fields.

Center for Teaching Excellence offers instructional professional development for those engaged in the teaching mission of Texas A&M University. Whether you teach in a traditional classroom setting, within the campus learning management system, or utilize a hybrid format- our team can assist you with creating and maintain an effective and efficient learning environment that supports student success. The Center assists faculty with identifying methods appropriate to the educational broader impacts of proposals. Educational Consultants can advise on connecting proposal outcomes to student learning outcomes for a course, selecting instructional strategies aligned with outcomes, and identifying assessments to gather evidence of student learning. A letter of collaboration can be provided. Faculty can also learn about the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) as a potential component of their project.

The Department of Chemistry takes an active role in community outreach, local primary and secondary education, and hosting events to positively affect the future of chemical education. Every year, our feature event – the annual Chemistry Open House & Science Exploration Gallery – is hosted at the ILSQ laboratory building. Typically visited by over 1,000 guests, this event brings together the Department’s researchers, different programs on campus, and those intrigued by science. Throughout the year, the Chemistry Road Show, a mobile set of demonstration experiments, is presented to schools throughout Texas and at other public events with the aim to both entertain and educate students using chemistry. Led by Dr. Jim Pennington, the Road Show will travel 11,000 miles throughout the year, reaching thousands of Texas students, faculty, and administrators. Our Research Experiences for Undergraduates program sponsored by the National Science Foundation provides college students of diverse backgrounds an opportunity to experience a summer of laboratory research. The Department of Chemistry also brings hands-on activities to local schools and campus outreach and recruiting events.

The Outreach & Engagement office promotes degree programs in the College of Arts and Sciences and encourages career interests in the sciences, social sciences and humanities by organizing and facilitating educational events and competitions that engage pre-college learners in grades 5-12.

The Contemporary Issues in Science Course Series (ARSC 104 & 105) is a multidisciplinary, team-taught program that fulfills the CORE Life & Physical Sciences curriculum requirement. It brings together faculty experts from various departments within the College of Arts and Sciences to address misinformation, disinformation, and pseudoscience related to socio-scientific issues. Course topics include the Big Bang, the size and shape of the Earth, the age of the Earth, evolution, vaccines, stem cells, human reproduction, GMOs, climate change, and energy. We actively recruit new faculty to give single guest lectures or a series of lectures on broader topics. Faculty are encouraged to incorporate active learning techniques and focus on providing evidence-based reasoning to support the claims presented in the course.

The Contemporary Issues in Science Course Series (ARSC 104 & 105) is a multidisciplinary, team-taught program that fulfills the CORE Life & Physical Sciences curriculum requirement. It brings together faculty experts from various departments within the College of Arts and Sciences to address misinformation, disinformation, and pseudoscience related to socio-scientific issues. Course topics include the Big Bang, the size and shape of the Earth, the age of the Earth, evolution, vaccines, stem cells, human reproduction, GMOs, climate change, and energy. We actively recruit new faculty to give single guest lectures or a series of lectures on broader topics. Faculty are encouraged to incorporate active learning techniques and focus on providing evidence-based reasoning to support the claims presented in the course.

The CERS office assists faculty in obtaining federal and private funding for research that is multidisciplinary, larger, or more strategic in nature. This unique office was created to help faculty manage the administrative burden of these larger projects so they may focus on what they do best—research. In order to accomplish this mission, the office provides faculty with support and coordination of large, multidisciplinary and strategic proposals; and engages private industry and seeks out opportunities for innovative research that aligns with the private entity’s goals, the faculty member’s interests, and the mission of Texas A&M AgriLife. This group works to develop and maintain relationships with AgriLife faculty, partnering institutions, companies, and funding agencies to achieve the best fit between funding opportunities and researcher goals.

The Meloy Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program equips you with the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to be successful in industry. Whether you’re interested in launching your own startup, commercializing your product or leading design and innovation at a Fortune 500 company, we will help you develop the entrepreneurial mindset necessary for your success. The Meloy Program offers a wide range of programs and events that will help promote students’ understanding of business principles from an engineering perspective. Students will practice their innovation and entrepreneurship skills in an immersive and creative environment.

Established in 2023, the Student Engagement for Academic Success (SEAS) Program within the Engineering Academic and Student Affairs (EASA) focuses on retention, success and professional development for first-generation college students. SEAS promotes the success of over 3,300 current engineering undergraduate students by offering supportive learning and mentoring communities; designing high-impact educational experiences; and providing unique, relevant professional development opportunities. Faculty can engage with SEAS in several ways: recruiting first-generation students for research opportunities, serving as a mentor in the First-Generation Engineering (FGEn) Students Mentoring Program, presenting research overviews, and developing outreach activities.

The Halliburton Engineering Global Programs (HEGP) at Texas A&M University plays a pivotal role in advancing the College of Engineering’s globalization efforts by providing high-quality programs that prepare students to be leaders in the global industry and society. Through strategic partnerships and faculty collaboration, we develop transformative educational experiences that equip students with the skills to tackle global engineering challenges. Our initiatives foster innovation and discovery by connecting faculty and students with esteemed international institutions, driving research excellence, and enhancing Texas A&M Engineering’s global presence. By engaging with top universities around the worldwide, we strengthen research, recruit top students, and position Texas A&M Engineering as a global leader in engineering education and innovation. We offer faculty members valuable opportunities to expand their global engagement and impact.  Faculty members can engage with HEGP to develop and lead a study abroad programs, work with our existing global partners or establish new international collaborations, host international research interns and faculty in their research groups and organize global conferences and workshops both on campus and abroad. We also support faculty in developing global research initiatives and applying for grants to address global engineering challenges. Through these efforts, we help faculty enhance their research visibility, access new funding opportunities, build international networks, and create lasting global impact in engineering education and innovation.

The Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center (HRRC) is an interdisciplinary disaster and hazard center housed under the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning. It is the first academic center in the nation dedicated to vulnerability reduction and long-term recovery and is one of only two United Nations (UN-OCHA) joint centers in the world that functions as a research and consultancy institution. The HRRC’s educational activities include a nonprofit collaboration to increase climate justice, public health, and urban planning in high school emergency management training in Southeast, TX, as well as interdisciplinary integration in postsecondary disaster and hazard courses and research projects. The HRRC is involved in an array of outreach, primarily focusing on research dissemination to practitioners and public audiences. 

The Institute for Applied Creativity (IAC) stands at the intersection of imagination, innovation, and impact. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human creativity through advanced technology, pioneering research, and transformative education. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we empower faculty, students, and community members to explore new creative frontiers and generate meaningful, lasting outcomes. At the IAC, we provide the tools, resources, and mentorship necessary to address complex challenges, spark innovation, and create positive societal change. Our diverse programs engage participants across all age groups and backgrounds, including K–12 students, individuals with disabilities, and lifelong learners. Our Institute extends beyond traditional academic settings. We offer interactive workshops, and seminars designed to inspire creativity and enhance practical skills. Additionally, we partner with K–12 educators, universities, local community leaders and industry leaders to develop innovative practices that bridge the gap between research and real-world application. Through immersive, research-based experiences, we connect with diverse communities to promote engagement, well-being, and a deeper understanding of the transformative power of creativity.

We run a Saturday afternoon outreach activity for gifted students in 5th-12th grades called MATH Circle. We also run a 2-week Summer Education Enrichment in Math (SEE-Math) for gifted students entering 6th-8th grades. These are students who will be our future STEM scientists. Adding a $1000 line item dedicated to the Math Circle and/or SEE-Math serves as a Broader Impact for any STEM Grant.

The Glasscock Center seeds, incubates, and facilitates humanities research at Texas A&M through a wide range of funded awards and programs. These include residential and research fellowships for faculty and graduate students, short-term visiting fellowships, and an undergraduate summer scholars program. The Center also provides support for research working groups, small conferences, external speakers, and workshops – in addition to providing programming through its own themed research initiatives. The Susanne M. Glasscock Book Prize annually recognizes an outstanding book in the humanities that appeals to academic and nonacademic audiences alike.

The Office for Youth Engagement at Texas A&M University provides expertise, resources, and consulting to faculty and researchers developing youth-focused programs and outreach initiatives. Our team offers a comprehensive toolkit grounded in best practices for youth engagement, including strategies for program design, participant development, and program marketing. We also assist with connecting to youth audiences in the community, ensuring that your programs create meaningful impact and align with positive youth development principles. Whether you are seeking support to meet grant requirements, develop a new initiative, or improve an existing program, we are here to help you succeed.

The Community Engagement team acts as a bridge between the university and the community, extending programmatic value; evaluating economic, social, and cultural impacts; and linking the community to university resources.

The Office of National Fellowships at Texas A&M University supports students in pursuing nationally and internationally competitive awards. Our office provides guidance throughout the application process, from identifying opportunities to developing strong application materials. We collaborate with faculty, staff, and campus partners to create an environment where students can excel in their academic and professional aspirations. Through mentorship, advising, and tailored resources, we help Texas A&M University students maximize their potential and achieve their goals.

The Office of Research Development (ORD) is dedicated to supporting research excellence within TAMU’s College of Arts & Sciences. This includes assisting faculty (including APT) in the development and preparation of high-quality proposals for federal and foundation funding, as well as providing guidance and resources to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows seeking fellowship opportunities.

OpenEd at Texas A&M champions student success through the development, promotion, and use of Open Educational Resources (OERs). We help faculty discover and implement OERs alongside other free and low-cost instructional materials including library-licensed content and library reserves. We support faculty who want to utilize Open Pedagogy to support Learner Agency in the classroom. Si for Open Digital Publishing for course materials creation using Pressbooks.

Established by the Texas State Legislature in 1983, Texas A&M University’s Public Policy Research Institute serves as a leading interdisciplinary government and social policy research organization. We have the requisite experience to satisfy a broad range of program and research demands. Previous sponsors and clients include: National Science Foundation, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Education, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Texas Workforce Commission.

Research Enterprise and Outreach serves researchers in the College of Education and Human Development in improving the success and competitiveness of their research endeavors, working with faculty, administrators, and strategic partners to help secure and manage funding for research.

Spark! PK-12 Engineering Education Outreach at Texas A&M University is a dynamic group dedicated to promoting engineering education among PK-12 students and teachers. Our mission is to ignite a passion for STEM through engaging and hands-on experiences. To engage with PK-12 students, we offer the program ‘Sparking Interest,’ providing exciting opportunities through activities such as Spark! on the Road, the Texas Science and Engineering Fair, Invention Convention Texas, and Aggies Invent Jr. These initiatives aim to captivate young minds, fostering curiosity and interest in the field of engineering. In addition to our student-focused programs, we understand the crucial role teachers play in shaping the educational landscape. Through our ‘Fanning the Flame’ program, we collaborate with PK-12 teachers, offering Enrichment Experiences in Engineering (E3), MakerU Professional Development, and participation in the STEM 4 Innovation Virtual Conference. These initiatives are designed to empower educators with valuable resources and insights, enhancing their ability to inspire the next generation of innovators. Furthermore, as part of our commitment to supporting Texas A&M University faculty with their broader impacts, we actively involve them in these programs, creating a collaborative ecosystem that benefits both faculty and the broader community.

Texas A&M High Performance Research computing offers outreach programs that support computing at K-12, undergraduate and professional levels. Our Summer Computing Academy program organizes computing camps for middle and high school students. These camps offer a mix of data sciences, cybersecurity and cloud computing. Faculty are welcome to teach and participate in these camps. We lead the SWEETER (SouthWest Expertise Exchange in Training Engagement and Research) CyberTeam that was funded by the National Science Foundation. SWEETER expands to several universities across Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. The SWEETER CyberTeam helps advance cyberinfrastructure resources via a model of shared resources. BRICCs (Building Research Innovation at Community Colleges) is a NSF-funded community-building program that aims to bring advances in cyberinfrastructure to smaller universities and community colleges. BRICCs recently hosted a community workshop at South Plains College in Levelland, TX. These collaborative programs offer platforms to engage with researchers at other schools or include dissemination mechanisms.

The Texas A&M Institute of Data Science (TAMIDS) pursues novel approaches to research, education, and partnerships that explore artificial intelligence, machine learning, digitalization, visualization, and other growing data science fields. The Institute’s network of over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students, hundreds of researchers and faculty members, and partners nationwide provides access to a growing community of data science experts and professionals. TAMIDS helps students acquires skills and expertise in data science through education, training, and research opportunities. It builds interdisciplinary collaborative research projects that cross disciplines. The Institute also supports operations and programs throughout Texas A&M University.

The TAMU Mentoring Academy is actually part of the larger Culture of Mentoring initiative at Texas A&M, a multi-pronged collaboration between the Center for Teaching Excellence, Graduate and Professional School, The Office of the Provost, and the Division of Research. Designed for faculty, graduate and professional students, staff, and postdocs, the TAMU Mentoring Academies are anchored in evidence-based mentoring competencies. The competencies and accompanying curriculum are developed by CIMER, the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research and is widely considered as the exemplar in mentorship development. You can see a list of the competencies, including the Capstone Session. Facilitators iterate and adapt the activities and scenarios for our various campus contexts. Upon completion, participants become a Mentoring Fellow and faculty receive a co-signed letter from Faculty Affairs, the Grad School, and CTE. The Academy is ongoing, Spring, Summer, and Fall – so we encourage engagement when you are available or interested. Sessions are highly interactive, typically 90 minutes, and delivered either virtually or face-to-face. These are customizable training and development opportunities and relevant for all higher education levels and affinity groups.

The Texas Research Data Center operates in close collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau to enable research that expands basic scientific knowledge and provides benefits to the federal statistical system. The TXRDC is part of the national RDC network and is one of many research facilities located at leading research institutions around the United States. The TXRDC serves Texas and the nation by hosting a secure computing lab where qualified researchers with approved projects can conduct research using restricted-access versions of important datasets maintained by the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal agencies. The TXRDC is located at Texas A&M University, the lead university in the TXRDC Consortium  which includes the Texas A&M University System, Baylor University, Louisiana State University, Rice University, the University of Houston, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Texas at San Antonio.

The Transformational Teaching and Learning Conference (TTLC) creates an environment in which instructors at Texas A&M University can learn, reflect, celebrate, and reset their teaching mindset and goals. This year’s conference will be held on the College Station campus April 30 – May 1. This two-day event includes invited plenary sessions, interactive participant-driven facilitated sessions, a theme-inspired plenary workshop, and concurrent in-person presentations by faculty.