On May 1 at the Vermont State House in Montpelier, the UVM Cancer Center (UVMCC) launched its new Outreach and Education Van, which will bring cancer initiatives—including screening, prevention, and education—to rural communities throughout Vermont and northern New York.

The UVM Cancer Center’s New Outreach and Education Van

The van will set up at local sporting events, county fairs, and other community events throughout the region to raise awareness about cancer risk, screening and prevention methods, and research. In tandem with its outreach mission, the program is spearheading STEM learning opportunities for rural students, who, studies show, are less likely to form a “science identity” and pursue careers in STEM. The Cancer Center team also will coordinate professional development opportunities for rural educators, as well as mentoring opportunities for students interested in STEM.

a lab setup inside a van
The Cancer Center’s Outreach and Education Van features a full “BioMobile Discovery Lab”—complete with high-powered epifluorescence microscopes and other cancer research equipment. (Photo: Andy Duback)

Read the full story about UVMCC’s Outreach and Education Van