Outreach

In this entry, the term ‘outreach’ refers to activity undertaken by universities with schools and communities, generally with the goal of engaging groups under-represented in higher education (HE) but also at times to fulfil other HE goals, such as promoting progression in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The tradition of ‘extra-mural’ education generated by progressive forces and the requirements of industrialisation dates from the 19th century. Initiatives in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, however, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom, are more aligned with neoliberalism and the marketisation of HE, though social justice and equal opportunity are strong themes in much outreach activity. This entry provides an overview of outreach, then explores outreach policy, outreach activities, targeted populations, ...