UBC students aim to be ambassadors of science

A new program that will see Science students acting as a bridge
between the university and the community has caught the interest
of hundreds of University of British Columbia student volunteers.
The students will help promote science in the community by speaking
in high schools and serving as mentors and hosts.

“We want to create an environment where student ideas and energy
have a significant effect on how the university grows and changes,”
says Science Dean Maria Klawe, who adds the outreach program is
probably unique in Canada. “These students will influence how a
science education is perceived here at UBC and by the public.”

Dubbed the Dean of Science Ambassadors, the group of second- to
fourth-year students will serve as a core team of volunteers for
a wide range of activities that include visiting high schools, hosting
groups of students for on-campus tours and research demonstrations,
tutoring fellow university students and organizing high school science
competitions and contests.

Student ambassadors will receive free workshop training in areas
ranging from public speaking to diversity awareness.

Participants will report their activities back to program organizers
in the faculty. Klawe is using student feedback to design some form
of recognition for volunteers.

UBC’s Faculty of Science has almost 6,000 undergraduate students
enrolled in more than 50 honours and majors programs.

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