Top technology university vies to communicate with citizens
![Visitors to KAIST watch a drone flight in an event held as a part of the university’s effort to contribute to society. [Photo courtesy of KAIST]](https://cdn.newsarticleinsiders.com/news/photo/202511/3320_5333_5537.jpg)
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced on Nov. 25 that it was accelerating efforts to expand public engagement with science in line with the Korean government’s science culture policies.
Through its flagship social contribution programs, named KSOP, the university said that it was broadening access to scientific learning and strengthening nationwide STEM literacy.
KSOP selects socially disadvantaged youth with strong potential in mathematics and science and pairs them with KAIST undergraduate and graduate student mentors.
Since its launch in 2015 with 250 students, the program has expanded to accommodate 1,000 participants annually from 2022 onward, according to KAIST.
By 2025, the cumulative number of participants is expected to reach around 8,000. The program has produced clear results, with more than 70 percent of graduates pursuing studies in science and engineering.
A knowledge-return cycle has also taken root, as many graduates come back to serve as mentors, KAIST noted.
The science and technology-centered ivory tower has further contributed to reducing regional education gaps by offering creative science education across the country.
KSOP alumni and mentors have established a community, which supports scholarships, mentoring, and donations and has evolved into the nationwide small-scale monthly donation initiative.
“KAIST’s mission is to contribute to humanity and society through science and technology,” KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung said.
“KAIST is committed to building a ladder of opportunity through educational outreach and will continue promoting warm, inclusive science, as well as a sustainable science culture ecosystem.”