Science outreach improves science literacy among the public and communication skills of scientists. However, despite the array of well-documented benefits, robust outreach efforts are often absent from communities which stand to benefit the most from these initiatives. Here, we introduce "Science Fiesta," a graduate student-led outreach initiative which utilizes cultural traditions of South Texas as a vehicle to establish self-sustaining interactions between scientists and their local community. Event assessment surveys indicated that attendees found the event both fun and educational. At the same time, graduate students who organized the event and participated in outreach reported that they strengthened a variety of professional skills important for their future careers. More importantly, the event had a substantial positive impact on enthusiasm for science outreach. Both public attendees and graduate students reported Travis J. Block ( ), Milos Marinkovic ( ), Jodie Gray (

Student competitive teams provideengineering students an opportunity to developtheir hands-on design, fabrication andmanagement skills. Anecdotally, we know thatmany students draw on these experiences toobtain excellent post-graduation jobs; forexample, automotive companies often recruitfrom these teams’ competitions. However, in thepast assigning academic credit to these activitieswas difficult logistically. This paper will presentthe methods and rationale that allowedMcMaster Engineering to overcome thesechallenges and successfully offer a courseawarding academic credit for these activities inthe 2017-18 year; thought to be the first of it’skind at a Canadian engineering school.

Science outreach improves science literacy among the public and communication skills of scientists.