Youth Outreach

Introducing Youth to STEM

The UC Davis College of Engineering provides engaging programs and resources for introducing youth to the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Through our investments in K-12 outreach efforts, we pave the way for a new generation of engineering professionals and future leaders. Below are projects throughout the college centered around youth engagement.

News

Engineering Equity: Harry Cheng’s Mission to Revolutionize K-12 STEM Education

At the UC Davis College of Engineering, the concept of "engineering for all" is more than a slogan — it is a call to action, exemplified by programs like Cheng’s Center for Integrated Computing and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education.

Snapping into STEM: Engineering Student's Startup Wins Big at Business Competition

The Make Box, a STEM education startup founded by electrical engineering major Kavya Khare, won the Education and Educational Tools sector award and a $5,000 residency award at the 25th annual Big Bang! Business Competition.

Bright STARSE on the Horizon: UC Davis-Led Program Rethinks STEM Education

Electrical and computer engineering professors lead an educational program at UC Davis rethinking STEM education from kindergarten to college through a focus on experiential learning and workforce development opportunities in STEM.

Spotlights

C-STEM Center

The UC Davis Computing, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Center develops computing and robotics technology, curriculum and pedagogical strategies, and provides support for teachers to integrate computing and robotics in the classroom.

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UC Davis EcoCAR

The UC Davis EcoCAR team spends time connecting with the next generation of automotive engineers to teach them about EVs and inspire them to explore their future in STEM.

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Learn more about being an Aggie Engineer

Our Engineering Ambassadors share their perspective on engineering, what it is and what engineers do.

Other UC Davis STEM Programs

MESA Schools Program

The Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) Schools Program prepares K-12 students in Sacramento and Yolo counties in STEM subjects. The college prep program sparks early interest in STEM by bridging classroom concepts to real-world practice, and inspires youth on their academic journey to higher education and their future success.

COSMOS

The California State Summer School for Mathematics & Science (COSMOS) is an intensive four-week summer residential program. Students completing grades 8-12 have the opportunity to be mentored by renowned faculty, researchers and scientists while exploring advanced STEM topics beyond the courses typically offered in California high schools. Through challenging curricula that are both hands-on and lab intensive, COSMOS fosters its students’ interests, skills and awareness of educational and career options in STEM fields.

STEM for Girls

STEM for Girls invites 10-12 year old students from the Woodland and Sacramento areas for a full day immersion into science, technology, engineering and math. The program exposes students to STEM fields, builds confidence in their abilities to participate in STEM, and introduces them to relatable and accessible STEM role models.

UC Davis STEM Portal

The UC Davis STEM Portal is the go-to resource for all things science, technology, engineering and mathematics related at UC Davis. Students, parents and teachers can search for opportunities such as summer camps, tours, programs and internships. The easy-to-use search feature allows you to filter by audience, resource, discipline and areas of study.