The purpose of the Minority Science Outreach Program (MSOP) of the Mellon College of Science at Carnegie Mellon University is to provide hands-on scientific research exposure to disadvantaged and underrepresented minority students in elementary, middle and high schools in the Pittsburgh Area. The program strives to:

• Promote scientific literacy among students, teachers and school administrators encourage scientific interest in students who would not ordinarily be exposed to the scientific community
• Enhance logical and critical thinking skills
• Build and/or strengthen research skills through inquiry based learning
• Enable students to participate competitively in science fairs
• Demonstrate and explore potential college admission and career opportunities by providing lab space, equipment, demonstrations, training, and positive interactions with peers and professionals from the scientific community.