Collaborators (example model)
Your specific collaborators will vary depending on your location, institution, and community partners. Below is an example of what a partnership model might look like, based on previous iterations of Flip the Fair.
Local library partner
We partnered with a public library branch with a STEAM focus. The library was closed to the public for the duration of the event to open the space to the visiting fifth grade students. Library staff helped with space setup, logistics, creating site maps, assembling student goodie bags, and leading student groups between posters. The library has also contributed books or materials as giveaways for participating students.
Example contact role: Director of Youth Services
Local public school system
We collaborated with a local school district to invite and transport 5th grade student participants. The school representative communicated with teachers, organized field trip forms, coordinated busing, and supported the event on-site. Their buy-in was essential for helping schools commit to attending and ensuring student needs were met.
Example contact role: Science Curriculum Supervisor
Institutional partners
On-campus units such as graduate schools, communication centers, academic departments, and research institutes and grants can offer key support, including
- Facilitating workshops on science communication and inclusive engagement for graduate student presenters.
- Providing funding or in-kind contributions, such as poster printing, snacks, swag, or speaker honoraria.
- Supporting busing for children from schools to the Flip the Fair event site if transportation is outside the school system’s budget. Support of Flip the Fair fits nicely within many research grants’ Broader Impacts expectations.
- Handling financial transactions such as reimbursements or purchases (especially helpful if your team does not have its own student organization account).
- Recruiting efforts for presenters and volunteers can be bolstered and amplified through university partnerships.
If your event is housed within a student organization, it can be helpful to work with administrative or procurement offices familiar with student-led outreach.