Welcome to the Broader Impacts Resource Center!

The purpose of this resource center is to help Penn State faculty and graduate students plan, write, and execute successful Broader Impacts (BI) activities. Though we often refer specifically to BI in the context of National Science Foundation (NSF) grants and fellowships, many of the resources can be used for any outreach purpose.

 

Broader Impacts: Latest NSF Guidelines and Expectations

Information on the NSF’s current guidelines, review process, and evaluation trends for Broader Impacts

Planning Your Broader Impacts Activities

A guided set of steps for planning Broader Impacts activities

Successful Broader Impacts Examples @ PSU

Descriptions of the Broader Impacts activities in successful NSF proposals by PSU faculty (PSU login required)

Grad Students - Broader Impacts in NSF GRFP

Broader Impacts tips for grad students applying for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Partner with Science Outreach for your Broader Impacts!

Though Broader Impacts encompasses much more than K-12 Outreach, improving STEM education for youth is a social outcome prioritized by the NSF. Click the button below to learn more about partnering with the Science Outreach office and scroll right to learn more about our key events and programs!

Partner with Us

ENVISION: STEM Career Day Supporting Young Women

Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) is an annual event that focuses on exposing middle and high school girls to the fascinating careers and fields of study in the STEM disciplines. Faculty members, graduate students, and community groups can participate in the event EXPO, run an interactive workshop, or both!

Partner with Us!

Science-U Summer Camps

The Science Outreach runs around 15 one-week summer camps every summer for students going into grades 2 – 12. Faculty members and graduate students design curricula for the camps and can also serve as camp instructors. Science-U camps reach over 500 students from across PA, the nation, and  the world every summer!

Partner with Us!

Exploration-U

Exploration-U events are community science night events held at area schools that feature tables where STEM groups from Penn State and the community engage families through interactive science activities. Any Penn State faculty members or students who want to share science widely with the community are welcome to participate!

Partner with Us!

Haunted-U

Haunted-U is a half-day Halloween-themed science event held every October to excite K-5 students about science through spooky demos and activities!

Partner with Us!

Think Outside the Beaker

Think Outside the Beaker is an after-school program that brings ~30 students from the Bellefonte Area School District to Penn State’s University Park campus for interactive science sessions. Any Penn State faculty members or student groups are welcome to design and lead a session!

Partner with Us!

Questions? Comments?

Please email us at outreach@science.psu.edu if you have any questions or suggestions for how we can improve this resource center!  Additionally, we would love to hear if you have Broader Impacts grant or activity examples you would like to share!