Message from the Vice Provost
Kwesi Brookins, Vice Provost for University Outreach and Engagement
Preparing Our Next Generation of Spartans
University Outreach and Engagement has a threefold mission: to support the university, advocate for engaged scholarship, and foster public access.
In this letter, I’d like to highlight how UOE fosters public access to university expertise and resources for the next generation of scholars through our pre-college programming. We offer a wealth of programming and resources to K-12 educators and students around the state.
The 13th annual MSU Science FestivalExternal link - opens in new window, beginning April 1, offers hundreds of free public events for all ages exploring science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics at MSU and select sites throughout the state. Consider bringing family or friends to campus next month to sample hands-on science activities!
The Science Festival also partners with area schools, offering programsExternal link - opens in new window including Girls Math and Science Day, Natives in STEAM Exploration Day, and a Student Sustainability Summit. We provide Michigan educators with free nature journals to encourage students to explore the natural world and record their observations as part of BioBlitz, a community-led biodiversity survey.
On April 26, MSU will once again host the Science Olympiad State TournamentExternal link - opens in new window, where students from across the state compete in events ranging from anatomy to astrophysics to aeronautics. The goal is to inspire the next generation of scientists, health professionals, and engineers.
In addition to these public-facing spring events, UOE works year-round to empower young people to see themselves as future Spartans.
Our Office of College Access InitiativesExternal link - opens in new window offers pre-college programs for underrepresented students in grades 7-12, including Michigan Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs and Upward Bound.
UOE also is home to Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)External link - opens in new window, which offers academic year and summer programs tailored to gifted students. View the 2025-2026 Program GuideExternal link - opens in new window to learn about opportunities for gifted K-12 students. The application deadline is May 9.
In addition, the MSU Detroit Center, the Honors College, and GATE will partner with the Detroit Public Schools Community District this summer to offer the third annual MSU Detroit Early Honors ExperienceExternal link - opens in new window for rising eighth and ninth-grade students. Students explore art, technology, and science through hands-on activities and “experiential” field visits at several of Detroit’s cultural and university gems.
We also recently refreshed the Spartan Youth ProgramsExternal link - opens in new window website, which catalogs summer activities for future Spartans! We invite you to share these opportunities with family and friends.
Kwesi Brookins,
Vice Provost for University Outreach and Engagement
