Who We Are
The UCAR Center for Science Education (UCAR SciEd) serves the geoscience community by amplifying and complementing the work of the National Science Foundation’s National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) member universities by reaching our audiences: K-12 educators, university faculty, students, and the public through excellence in educational programs and experiences.
Our Vision
Engaging all learners to explore and understand our changing world.
Our Mission and Goals
We develop state-of-the-art educational experiences that connect NCAR|UCAR science to diverse learners, creating pathways towards a scientifically literate society.
UCAR SciEd works directly with NCAR to support the implementation of three broad goals:
Goal 1: To inspire, engage, and inform the public about the atmospheric and related science conducted by NCAR and the university community.
Goal 2: To entrain and prepare a highly skilled and diverse workforce in careers in the atmospheric and related sciences..
Goal 3: To support the university community in educating students in the atmospheric and related sciences.
Staff
Visit our staff page to learn more about our team.
Our Programs
UCAR SciEd is comprised of staff with expertise in the atmospheric and related sciences and science education. We are passionate about our mission and strive for excellence in all aspects of our work. Major program areas include science educational resource development for K-12 classrooms and informal education, exhibits used by school and public visitors at the NCAR Mesa Lab Visitor Center, and undergraduate student and faculty mentoring. We are proud to be the host program for the Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS) office. SOARS is an undergraduate-to-graduate bridge program designed to broaden participation in the atmospheric and related sciences through building a strong and supportive learning community, strong scientific and career mentoring, and providing hands-on experiences in research. We also collaborate with scientists, engineers, and education researchers on the Engineering Experiences (EngEx) after-school program. The EngEx program provides middle school students with the opportunity to learn about engineering careers and how they can use engineering to help people in their own communities and around the world.
Our Partners
We expand our reach by partnering with programs that provide synergies to accomplish our mission. These include:
 | NCAR Education and Outreach: NCAR’s commitment to Education and Outreach is to provide educational and training experiences for all learners. NCAR’s programs support the advancement of individuals’ careers in the atmospheric and related sciences. NCAR entrains future generations of diverse scientists and engineers into its research, inspires and engages the public, and demonstrates the importance of NCAR’s mission to the media and policymakers. NCAR makes all opportunities, resources, and programs accessible and welcoming to individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and institutions. |
 | GLOBE: The Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) Program is an international science and education program that provides students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to participate in data collection and the scientific process, and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment. As a GLOBE Partner, UCAR SciEd develops educational resources and collaborates with other GLOBE Partners to reach audiences around the world. |
 | Smithsonian: In 2015, UCAR became a Smithsonian Affiliate. This is a national outreach program that develops long-term partnerships with museums and educational organizations. |
Our Location
The offices of the UCAR Center for Science Education are located in Boulder, Colorado. UCAR SciEd is a part UCAR, a consortium of more than 100 North American member colleges and universities focused on research and training in the atmospheric and related Earth system sciences. UCAR manages NCAR with sponsorship by the National Science Foundation. Through our community programs, UCAR supports and extends the capabilities of our academic consortium.
Contact the UCAR Center for Science Education
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000
Shipping Address: 3090 Center Green Drive, Boulder, CO 80301
Recorded information: 303.497.1174
General (M-F): 303.497.1000
or email us!
Logos and Style Guides
UCAR Center for Science Education's logo usage guidelines and logos are freely available for use by our partners and collaborators: