Connecting with Our Community
We do outreach at Swenson College in a big way. Our students, faculty and staff engage with local students in the surrounding communities to encourage interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
Our Vision
To support and promote more informed and engaged citizens and inspire the next generation of STEM workers.
Our Mission
To provide engaging STEM experiences for 6th-12th grade students, prioritizing connections with underserved students.
On Campus Events
Twin Ports Teen Science Cafe
Come to UMD for engaging STEM presentations and activities
When: First Cafe is Friday March 25, 6:30-7:30 pm (bussing available)
What: Learn about using elements of game playing to promote safe drivingÂ
Who: High School students
How: Limited seating and registration requiredÂ
STEM Discovery Days (on campus & virtual)
Experience a selection of hands-on STEM activities across campus
Who: 7th-12th graders
What: Learn through experiencing different STEM projects with professors and UMD students across campus
When: Saturday, March 19 9 am- noon (on campus)Â
      March 28- April 1 after school (online)
How: Participation is limited and registration is required for each in-person and online events
Virtual Events
Spring into Engineering
Join UMD's Society of Women Engineers for free hands-on engineering activities for elementary students. Materials and snack provided.Â
Who: 3rd-5th grade students and their parents/ guardians
What: Engineer a water pump, bouncy ball, and a structure to withstand an earthquake with help of engineers via a zoom meeting.
When:Â Saturday March 26 (choose one session)
   Session 1: 10 am - 12 pmÂ
   Session 2: 12:30 - 2:30 pm
How: Participation is limited and registration is required. Materials pickup @ UMD (details sent after registration).Â
Virtual Planetarium
Join the UMD Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium for engaging space-themed events via Facebook Live
When: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7
What: Learn about space, ask astronomers questions
Who: All agesÂ
Programs include: Moon phases; At Home Astronomy; Constellation Story Time; Scale and Wonder of the Universe, Solar System Tour, Star Wars- Fact or Fiction, UFO's & Hubble's 30th Anniversary, Exoplanets
Archives of past events can be found here