What We Do
Building a diverse, equitable environment where all can thrive and excel
We are driven to create programming to increase the representation of underrepresented minorities (URMs) in the science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics (STEAM) fields.
Increasing Diversity
Youth Enagement
The Youth Engaged in Science (YES!)
The Youth Engaged in Science (YES!) program is a multifaceted program aimed at exposing students from underrepresented minority (URM) backgrounds to research and related careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, and Math (STEAM) fields. YES! offers science education programs and activities to middle- and high-school students, including neuroscience workshops at schools and educational tours of university research laboratories and centers. Learn more about YES!
YES! Campus Tours
YES! Campus Tours are aimed at middle and high school students, with the goal of getting more youth involved in STEAM fields. Taking advantage of all of the labs and programs offered throughout the U, the YES! Campus Tours are a way of getting students to experience the University and establish a sense of community and belonging. Learn more about Yes! Campus Tours.
Brain-in-a-Box
The Brain-in-a-Box is an exciting brain-focused educational engagement program. Brian-in-a-Box strives to form positive associations and behaviors to strengthen students’ self-empowerment and educate them about how brain damage can alter personalities, learn how the brain develops, and discover ways to promote healthy brain development. Learn more about Brain-in-a-Box.
Adult & Family Engagement
Consultations
We offer free initial consultations to both community members and neighboring departments, as well as offering more in-depth post-award, consultations and consulting (including training), at charge, as available. Learn more about CEEd consultations.
Research Internships
MIDB is a cutting edge institute on the forefront of solving healthy brain development of children across the lifespan. If you are wanting to not just to do something better, but to attempt things you've never thought possible, we are the team for you. Learn more about CEEd research internships.
NODE
Named for the nodes, or synapses, which connect the neurons within our brains, NODE has been able to successfully interconnect several groups across campus in conjunction with multiple community engagement organization outside of the University for the sole purpose of becoming a centralized framework for community-based participatory research (CBPR) within the Minneapolis and St. Paul communities. These groups include the Institute of Child Development (ICD), the College of Biological Sciences (CBS), the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), the Office of Biomedical Graduate Research, Education and Training, the Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology within the Medical School, as well as community groups such as SoLaHmo and CEARCH, to name a few. Learn more about NODE.
Family Fun Nights
A unique offering, Family Fun Nights are two-hour long events hosted at the MIDB Community Center that welcome families and their children participating in a study or program. The night is meant to remind the parents of the important contribution to science they are making by participating in the study. Learn more about Family Fun Nights.