The University of Wyoming’s Science Initiative Roadshow completed its most active year yet, with 106 outreach events across 19 counties between September and May, according to a May 15 announcement. The program has now reached all 23 counties in Wyoming since its start in 2017.
This milestone is significant for the university and the state, as it marks the first time that hands-on STEM learning experiences have been brought to every county through this initiative. The final milestone was achieved with events in Lovell and Greybull in Big Horn County.
Throughout the academic year, more than 12,000 early childhood students, K-12 students, and community members participated in activities such as STEM Days, classroom visits, field experiences, community science events, and on-campus programs like monthly STEM-ology events. The program is led by undergraduate and graduate students from the University of Wyoming who travel statewide to facilitate interactive learning in subjects including geology, ecology, engineering, energy, physics, chemistry and natural resources.
The Roadshow works closely with educators to design activities that support current curricula and align with Wyoming science standards. This approach aims to create meaningful connections between students’ education and real-world applications happening within their communities. It also offers valuable experience for participating university students in science communication and teaching.
One notable development this year was the growth of the Roadshow Outreach Assistant Program into a multidisciplinary group of nearly 40 undergraduate and graduate students from various STEM fields. These assistants played key roles in planning and delivering outreach while developing leadership skills.
The continued success of the Science Initiative Roadshow relied on partnerships both within UW—such as Wyrkshop Mobile Makerspace—and external organizations including NASA Wyoming Space Grant Science Kitchen; School of Energy Resources; Wyoming Game and Fish Department; local conservation districts; community colleges; state parks; among others. These collaborations allowed for interactive learning on topics ranging from robotics to wildlife ecology.
“As the Science Initiative Roadshow looks ahead, the program continues to expand opportunities for statewide collaboration and community engagement,” Erin Klauk said. “With growing partnerships, increasing student involvement and demand for hands-on STEM programming continuing to rise across Wyoming, the Roadshow remains committed to creating accessible, meaningful science experiences that inspire curiosity, strengthen connections between UW and communities, and help students see themselves in future STEM pathways.”
