Why outreach completes your degree

Alexandra Munro-Clark, biochemistry student and President of the Women in Science and Engineering Society (WISE), discusses the benefits of being a STEM Ambassador whilst studying.

Before starting university I had never heard of outreach and I definitely didn’t know how rewarding it could be to share my love of science with the local community. That changed when I joined WISE, became a STEM Ambassador and started running local afterschool science clubs.

WISE has made it their mission to make outreach accessible to students. We run an after-school science club for high school children, as well as hosting networking and careers events for women in STEM to provide an open platform for female scientists to share their ideas.

Our outreach scheme first started as a small science club at a local school with only two volunteers, with support from the STEM Learning network, this has now grown to encompass multiple schools with over 60 student volunteers.

There has never been a better opportunity to talk about the benefits of volunteering during your studies, and why universities should be encouraging outreach.

Alex's full article is available on the STEM Learning website.  If you are interested in getting involved in outreach projects or societies at the University please email Grace Surman on eps-community@contacts.bham.ac.uk.