The Office of University Outreach and Engagement provides access to a variety of cultural and educational resources through public events and programs.
Gifted and Talented Programs (GATE)
MSU's Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) programs offer gifted students in Michigan the opportunity to access accelerated learning with programs that run the gamut from a crime scene investigation camp to Future DOcs, which works in collaboration with the College of Osteopathic Medicine to get middle school students excited about careers in the STEM fields.
College Access Inititatives
The Office of College Access Initiatives (CAI) builds youth’s capacity for success by providing academic enrichment programs to increase the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in post-secondary institutions. Programs also provide follow up support to underrepresented students who enroll in post-secondary institutions. CAI serves students primarily in the Lansing area, and starting in 2021, has expanded to include Flint, Detroit, and Muskegon. CAI also serves individuals who have dropped out of high school, to age 27, by encouraging them to complete their education.
Spartan Youth Programs
The Spartan Youth Programs (SYP) website is a popular web portal that displays a wide range of exciting opportunities for pre-K through 12th grade students to improve their knowledge and skills in specific subject areas. With over 200 listings, the SYP is the comprehensive source for finding resources in agriculture, art, business, computers, engineering, math, music, science, sports, and writing. Precollege programs are an excellent way for students to explore career possibilities while being introduced to the college environment.
Summer Solstice Jazz Festival
The Summer Solstice Jazz Festival kicks off East Lansing's summer cultural calendar every year in June. The Festival is presented by the City of East Lansing, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, and the MSU College of Music, and is funded by dozens of sponsors, including University Outreach and Engagement at MSU and the MSU Federal Credit Union.
MSU Science Festival
The MSU Science Festival is a multi-day celebration of science, fueled by curiosity, wonder, and discovery, held every year in April on the MSU campus in East Lansing, as well as in Detroit and at participating sites around the state. Event formats include demonstrations, lectures, discussion panels, hands-on activities, exhibits, and guided tours.
