By linking the science research and education communities, ScienceBridge seeks to increase the number and diversity of students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. We also strive to improve general public awareness and appreciation of science.
Since 2006, ScienceBridge has been working with UCSD scientists, local school districts, community groups, and industry partners to innovate projects that bring the community together to improve STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education. With over $7 million in funding from National Science Foundation, The Department of Education, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, ScienceBridge has been able to work with hundreds of secondary science teachers and dozens of scientists to design and implement innovative lab activities that reflect UCSD Science.
We have provided support and training for scientists in how to effectively communicate and teach science, while providing teachers with new content knowledge. As a result, over 120,000 local middle and high school students have been exposed to UCSD STEM research through on-campus activities, scientists in the classroom programs, and the production and implementation of innovative, hands-on laboratory activities in their classrooms.
ScienceBridge strives to deliver quality experiences for our various audiences that include over 300 science professionals, 50 graduate students, 100 undergraduate students, 400 secondary school teachers, 120,000 secondary students, and some 60,000 members of the general public. The strength of ScienceBridge and its component programs is a direct result of building strong relationships with various UCSD entities, other partner academic institutions, non-profit foundations, multiple school districts, and local/national funding agencies (private and governmental). ScienceBridge has filled a community relations, outreach, and diversity need for many programs at UCSD, including the Skaggs School of Pharmacy, Divisions of Biology and Physical Sciences, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and Student Affairs. ScienceBridge has also created contacts across institutions such as San Diego State University, University of San Diego, and numerous local companies, non-profit organizations, and school districts. Our primary philosophy is to find ways of leveraging human capital in the most effective manner to pay it forward to benefit the community.
Since July 2006, ScienceBridge has been instrumental in raising over $12,500,000 in program funding (NSF, HHMI, Department of Education, local companies) that supported and will continue to support projects over the coming years. Our team considers this to be only the beginning of a long-term initiative to reinvigorate and expand science education. By linking what goes on in our school classrooms with evolving scientific endeavors at the university level, as well as in private sector research and development firms, ScienceBridge is creating new connections for classroom students.
Professional development for teachers through training, curricula, and lab kits
Year-long partnerships with UCSD PhD students and high school science teachers