Creating meaningful connections among STEM researchers and communities. 

STEM Engagement

The STEM Connector is a Signature Project of the College of Arts and Sciences Office of Engagement. Its mission is to strengthen STEM engagement across The Ohio State University while building meaningful partnerships that address community-identified needs.

Our goals are to:

1. Foster a culture of STEM engagement and build the infrastructure needed to support impactful outreach and engagement across the College of Arts and Sciences and the university.
2. Develop partnerships and create programs that connect the Ohio State STEM researchers and educators with community priorities and opportunities.

The STEM Connector provides faculty, staff and graduate students with flexible opportunities to participate in STEM engagement. By centrally coordinating relationship-building, partnership development, and program logistics, we make it easier for participants to focus on sharing their expertise and making an impact.

Individuals can engage at the level that works best for them, whether that means contributing to a single event, supporting a specific project, or participating in multiple programs throughout the year.

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Broader Impacts Support

The STEM Connector helps researchers develop robust, reciprocal, and meaningful broader impacts activities that extend the reach and value of their research.

Although the term Broader Impacts is specific to the National Science Foundation (NSF), the principles of community engagement, education, and public impact apply across disciplines and funding sources. STEM Connector resources are available to all Ohio State STEM researchers, regardless of  funding agency.

Consultation

One-on-one consultations are available for researchers preparing grant proposals. 

Support may include:

• Brainstorming broader impacts ideas
• Identifying community and educational partners
• Developing engagement strategies and program plans
• Strengthening broader impacts narratives for proposals

Researchers are encouraged to schedule consultations as early as possible in the proposal development process to maximize opportunities for planning and partnership development.

Workshops

The STEM Connector offers workshops for departments, centers, institutes, and research groups. Standard workshop topics include:

• Broader Impacts 101
• Building Effective Broader Impacts Partnerships

Customized workshops tailored to specific disciplinary or organizational needs may also be available with advance notice.

Collaboration

Looking for more comprehensive support? The STEM Connector can partner with researchers to leverage existing STEM engagement infrastructure, develop programming, establish community partnerships, and support proposal development.

If you are seeking deeper collaboration, exploring engagement opportunities, or need a Letter of Collaboration for a proposal, we encourage you to reach out to discuss your project.

Contact: Courtney Price, price.1217@osu.edu