During partnership, people work at own pace, on own topics. Coordinators check in periodically to resolve problems and to get feedback. Party to celebrate partnerships finished, kick off new ones. Veterans volunteer to show products of partnerships, talk about what they learned. Coordinators collect notes from partnerships, help turn into web documents for web publication.
Partners can pick new person, or leave program for a quarter.
We believe Science Partners is a powerful way to strengthen the University ties to the community in which it lives, as well as an opportunity for scientists to disseminate and increase public interest in science. We have clearly seen an increase in email and technology literacy at the schools where we have established partnerships. This project allows one to see tangible results of one's work impact people in the community. The federal government is increasingly requiring a public outreach component to federally funded research programs. Our group offers future scientists an opportunity to investigate and learn about what can be done in public outreach and the effect it can have.