Our Programs

SASSA in the Classroom

  • Established in 2015, we work with K-12 teachers to create hands-on, inquiry-based modules that are presented in their classrooms by college students. We craft content to meet the specific needs of the teachers and students with whom we collaborate.

    The flexibility of SASSA in the Classroom means we can reach students who may not have access to hands-on learning opportunities or those who struggle in mainstream school settings. We design and modify curricula to appeal to students with different needs while fulfilling curriculum requirements.

  • We aim to show how science can solve social problems and how social needs drive scientific endeavors.

  • K-12 teachers and collegiate researchers collaborate to develop these interdisciplinary modules, while K-12 students using these modules have the opportunity to apply their own diverse knowledge, background, and experiences to reach an answer and engage directly with material and researchers. Their voices are heard and fuel discussions. Students see for themselves collegiate role models who embody standards of integrity in their field, and presenting the spectrum of gender, age, nationality, race, and disciplinary backgrounds all working together as a team, and as a part of their own learning community.

  • We will work with you to craft content that meets the specific needs of teachers and students. We will find collegiate researchers whose background dovetails with your needs, and provide customized instructions and materials for the crafted modules available for you an other teachers who may wish to implement them in their classrooms.

    Please contact us today for a consultation!

Preparing Researchers for Engaging the Public (PREP)

  • Established in 2015, this program offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to share their research with community audiences of all ages through curriculum design, mentorships, internships, and leadership roles in community-based research opportunities.

  • We aim to provide college students and early career researchers with an opportunity to hone their skills as a young academic and researcher who hopes to present their research to diverse audiences.

    Whatever their long-term career goals, we want to support them in developing those skills.

  • The strength of our PREP program is the variety of professionalization opportunities it offers participants. In addition to gaining experience designing curricula (modules) and teaching in K-12 classrooms, participants in this program learn how to collaborate and network with diverse institutions and members of the community. We also invite researchers with a variety of interdisciplinary interests and research approaches to serve as models of academic and scientific integrity, and to engage with students, teachers, and the public who might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about their area of expertise.

  • If you are an undergraduate or graduate student from colleges and universities in the Twin Cities metro area interested in participating, please complete this form.