Outreach Training Program (OTP)
The Outreach Training Program (OTP) helps ACS members across the globe who are passionate about science outreach to fully maximize Society resources through in-person workshops, live online courses, or on-demand courses. The OTP builds upon the success of ACS Outreach programs: National Chemistry Week, Chemists Celebrate Earth Week, International Chemistry Festivals, and the Festival Training Institute. Our members and chemistry enthusiasts conduct science outreach, and the OTP is here to help you get involved!
Program Description
The OTP includes seven parts on the history of ACS Outreach, safety, event planning, communication, marketing, leading volunteers, and monitoring success. Attendees will learn to successfully plan and execute outreach events, as well as have an opportunity to network and build a community with others passionate about science outreach and ACS.
“It was a great day of meeting and talking with others who are passionate about reaching out to share their excitement and knowledge of chemistry! The workshop leaders did an excellent job conveying information about resources and best practices for holding a successful outreach event.”
Melanie DiLorenzo, CCEW/NCW Coordinator, Maine Local Section
"I have been doing outreach for more than 25 years and have a very good handle on what and how to present to children and adults, but the training made me realize that I was just about totally ignorant about how marketing and partnering could improve outcomes of programs into which I invest significant time and effort. I was also unaware of some of the wonderful resources that ACS makes available to folks doing outreach."
Rose Pesce-Rodriguez, CCEW Coordinator, Maryland Local Section
What You Will Learn
- Outreach Programs Overview
- Event Planning and Fundraising
- Leading Volunteers
- Marketing and Partnerships
- Monitoring and Sustaining Success
- Communicating through Hands-On Activities
- Safety in Outreach Settings
Need extra help convincing your organization to send you?
Download and edit this pre-written approval request letter and copy-paste it into an email.
The live online course will take place June 23 through August 4. For each of the seven parts, participants will attend a weekly webinar, take a short quiz, complete a survey, and receive access to course resources. After the course, all attendees will receive a certificate of completion.
| Topics | Duration |
| 1. Outreach Programs Overview | 58:09 |
| 2. Event Planning and Fundraising | 59:34 |
| 3. Leading Volunteers | 59:21 |
| 4. Marketing and Partnerships | 54:11 |
| 5. Monitoring and Sustaining Success | 59:59 |
| 6. Communicating through Hands-On Activities | 1:01:02 |
| 7. Safety in Outreach Settings | 1:01:17 |
Allow an additonal 10 minutes to complete the quiz and survey.
To participate in the free on-demand online course, you will need to enroll via the ACS Learning Center using your ACS ID.
An on-demand course is available for local section coordinators planning events for Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) and National Chemistry Week (NCW). For each of the seven parts, participants will view a recording, take a short quiz, complete a survey, and receive access to course resources. After the course, all attendees will receive a certificate of completion.
| Topics | Duration |
| 1. Introduction and History of ACS Outreach | 59:28 |
| 2. Safety in Outreach Settings | 49:32 |
| 3. Event Planning and Fundraising | 53:58 |
| 4. Communicating through Hands-On Activities | 59:53 |
| 5. Marketing and Partnerships | 58:05 |
| 6. Leading Volunteers | 39:10 |
| 7. Monitoring and Sustaining Success | 53:55 |
Allow an additonal 10 minutes to complete the quiz and survey.
To participate in the on-demand coordinator training for CCEW and NCW Coordinators, you will need to enroll via the ACS Learning Center using your ACS ID.
All ACS members engaging in outreach are invited to participate in in-person workshops. After the course, all attendees will receive a certificate of completion.
The next workshop, titled “Plan Effective Interactive Chemistry Experience for the Public” will focus on research-based facilitation techniques you can use to plan and present chemistry activities for kids.
The workshop will place at ACS Fall 2022 in Chicago. Attendees must be registered for the meeting and on-site.
Monday, August 22, 2022
10:00 am - 11:30 am CT
Sheraton Riverwalk, Erie Meeting Room
Contact the ACS Office of Science Outreach
outreach@acs.org
%20-%20American%20Chemical%20Society', '_blank', 'width=450,height=550');void(0);){kind=link}