Pitt Space Day of Science, Engineering, and Football
Faculty Lead: Dr. Sam Dickerson
Outreach Type: PK–12
Each year, Dr. Sam Dickerson leads the Pitt Space Day of Science, Engineering, and Football, a full-day outreach experience designed to inspire students from underserved rural communities to explore STEM and higher education pathways.
The program hosts 12 middle- to high-school students from Johnstown, PA, providing them with a unique combination of science exploration, athletic engagement, and engineering immersion.
Students begin the day with hands-on learning at the Carnegie Science Center, followed by attending a Pitt Football game with luxury box seating generously donated by the Pittsburgh Sports & Exhibition Authority (PSA). The day concludes at a Pitt Engineering laboratory, where graduate students lead presentations, discussions, and demonstrations about engineering majors, research, and student life.
The program has run annually for four consecutive years and continues to strengthen ties with youth organizations in Johnstown. There is growing interest in developing a formal connection with Pitt–Johnstown as the event expands.
Impact and Learning Outcomes
Participants benefit from:
- First-hand exposure to engineering research environments
- Engagement with engineering graduate students who share academic and career insights
- Hands-on science experiences through interactive exhibits at the Carnegie Science Center
- A welcoming introduction to Pitt’s campus culture and community
- Early awareness of pathways to STEM education and higher education
The program is designed to broaden participation of rural and low-income youth in STEM by combining immersive science experiences with mentorship and memorable campus engagement.
Support
- Supported by the Pittsburgh Sports & Exhibition Authority, Carnegie Science Center, and the Flood City Youth Academy