Family Engagement Programming @ Saturday Scholars
CORE students and families participate in CORE’s Family Engagement Program at Saturday Scholars via an informal, cohort-based model. We invite students and families to our free, monthly events on the UMN campus to immerse themselves in the UMN STEM ecosystem.
Since we build on programming month to month, students and families are encouraged to attend each monthly event. Typically, students join the Family Engagement Program in middle school and continue to participate in CORE until high school graduation.
Students in grades 6-8 begin as CORExplorers. These students are exposed to a wide range of STEM fields and careers, allowing them to develop and refine their STEM interests.
Students in grades 9-12 become CORE Scholars as they further narrow these interests and prepare for their STEM-related futures in college and careers.
Saturday Scholars
Who is invited to Saturday Scholars?
CORE is currently recruiting students from the following groups:
- Students incoming to grades 6-11
- Specifically focused on students from underrepresented groups in STEM (i.e. African American, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx, Hmong, Native American, Somali, multiracial, first-generation, differently abled, low-income)
Students are required to attend every Saturday Scholars event with a significant adult (parent, guardian, caregiver, older siblings, aunt, uncle, etc). We also welcome additional family members to attend each event.
What happens at Saturday Scholars?
- Engage in hands-on STEM activities with students, staff, faculty, scientists, and researchers from UMN
- Learn about different STEM fields and careers
- Experience different spaces on UMN campus, including academic buildings and labs
- Receive mentoring from college students in STEM
- Share meals with other CORE students and families (free breakfast and lunch)
When are Saturday Scholars?
- One Saturday a month from September through May
- 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where are Saturday Scholars located?
- Typically held on the UMN Twin Cities campus
- Field trip(s) to off-campus locations
- Free parking is provided at each event
Why are Saturday Scholars important?
- Learn and grow as a family
- Increase students’ confidence in STEM
- Access STEM education and college & career readiness opportunities
- Become a part of the UMN community
- Develop a Student Success Profile in preparation for admission to and graduation from UMN and other post-secondary experiences