The Partnerships for Informal Science Education in the Community (PISEC) program connects CU Boulder volunteers with local K-12 students to engage in inquiry-based science activities in a playful, engaging, and welcoming environment. Working primarily with students from groups underrepresented in STEM, PISEC seeks to support students’ development of their own science identity and to cultivate and sustain students' interest in science by providing transformative and empowering experiences. Simultaneously, we offer valuable teaching, science communication, and leadership experience for the program volunteers. PISEC is committed to sustaining mutually beneficial partnerships with schools and community organizations, providing opportunities for CU mentors and K-12 students to develop relationships over the course of a semester. 

PISEC is supported by the National Science Foundation through the JILA Physics Frontier Center, the CU Physics Education Research Group, and the Center for STEM Learning.