Measuring the Impact of Grassroots Outreach

In 1993, the American Chemical Society (ACS) launched a volunteer-based public program called “Kids & Chemistry,” which was directed at improving children's understanding of science and their attitudes toward science and scientists. The project offered volunteer scientists a structured program and innovative demonstration materials and kits. This article describes the results of the ACS Public Outreach Office's research program to measure the impact of the Kids & Chemistry program on both the children and the volunteers.