Why do outreach?

1. Recent studies have shown that compared to other countries, the United States is severely lagging in scientific education. Our outreach activities promote the value of scientific education and provide children with unique, experienced-based learning opportunities.
   

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3. Governmental funding for scientific research is limited, particularly given the current economy. Educating the general public is a key step for making scientific research funding a national priority.
   

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5. Outreach is increasingly becoming important for receipt of extramural funding.  The National Science Foundation has indicated they are looking for “contributions that effectively integrate research and education at all levels ... [and] that the findings and methods of research are communicated in a broad context and to a large audience.”

University of Washington, Seattle