PCCM Education Outreach

Princeton University Materials Academy (P.U.M.A.) is a summer program for high school students that specifically targets students from under-served communities and young women. Students spend one to two weeks learning about materials science innovations from leading scientists in an intensive course in 2 sessions each summer. The course framework consists of inquiry-based, hands-on labs and project-based learning, supported by lectures and interaction with PCCM faculty and graduate students. The students work with the faculty on current research projects; therefore the curriculum is different every year based on the changing research interest of our faculty. P.U.M.A. is the only program on campus that is strictly science oriented. This intensive program targets truly underprivileged, disadvantaged high school students – especially those who have a good chance of success with the right encouragement – to give them a full immersion in science. During the summer 2010 session, twenty high school students from Trenton interacted with Princeton faculty and students and learn about materials science and solar energy research. Among other projects, the students worked on ceramic water filters that could improve the quality of life and environmental conditions in parts of Africa.

Twelve to fifteen middle school students participate in a program that focuses on materials science and energy sustainability. Curriculum for the program is developed from the science and engineering research of PCCM faculty. The week-long program is dedicated to narrowing the academic achievement gap across racial and ethnic groups, and is supported by the National Science Foundation through Princeton's Center for Complex Materials and the University's Community House service organization.