Universities have a diverse range of academic departments, communities, and clubs. Additionally, the surrounding local community may or may not have established relationships with university organizations. Both university and local communities provide opportunities for ACS Chapters to promote scientific-related activities. However, many scientifically affiliated campus organizations have difficulties building and maintaining relationships with other groups outside of the science. Additionally, there is often limited contact among science affiliated organizations due to the separation of departments. Thus, as the Western Illinois University (WIU) ACS Chemistry Club, we aim to encourage science awareness among both university and local groups. For instance, our ACS Chemistry Club Chapter provides programs that involve outdoor activities with other WIU science affiliated groups, including Women in Science, Biology Club, Physics Club, and an interdepartmental organization named Research Inspiring Student Excellence (RISE).These social activities allow for science students from separate departments to communicate with each other. In terms of providing science programs for the Macomb community, our ACS Chemistry Club Chapter invites younger students from 1<sup>st</sup>-12<sup>th</sup> grade to attend a demonstration show. Additionally, our ACS Chemistry Club Chapter assists the WIU Chemistry Department in hosting Science Olympiad for high school students. These interactions among the university and local communities have inspired our members to create programs incorporating both social and scientific activities.

Bridging the gap: Developing relationships among the university and the local communities

251st National Meeting (2016)

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