Atatürk University undertakes a robust program of educational outreach beyond its campus, providing tailored lectures, workshops, demonstrations, and voluntary student-run schemes in local schools, community centers, and district vocational schools (MYO). These outreach activities extend the university’s mission into the wider region and foster connections with youth, educators, and communities in need of capacity building.
Core Outreach Mechanisms & Structures
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Student clubs and departmental outreach teams regularly organize guest lectures, hands-on workshops, and science demonstrations in high schools, vocational schools, and community venues.
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The Toplumsal Duyarlılık Projects (TDP) scheme supports and funds outreach proposals that focus on health, literacy, technology, and entrepreneurship education delivered in non-university settings.
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Departments often send faculty and advanced students to district vocational schools (MYO) to conduct seminars, laboratory demonstrations, and mentoring sessions in their fields of expertise.
2024 Outreach Highlights & Examples
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In 2024, the Faculty of Health Sciences organized guest sessions in local high schools on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, and first aid, allowing high school students to interact with university faculty.
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The Engineering and Computer Clubs dispatched student volunteers to district vocational schools to run coding bootcamps, basic electronics workshops, and robotics demonstrations.
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Through TDP funding, projects like “Teknoloji ile Köy Okulu Eğitim Desteği” (Technology Support for Village Schools) brought portable computer labs and digital literacy sessions to rural schools across Erzurum’s districts.
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The Vocational School (MYO) units affiliated with Atatürk University hosted open career orientation and technical skill seminars (e.g. “Girişimcilik & Teknoloji Günleri”) for high school graduates and local youth, inviting participation from non-university members.
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Cultural and language departments conducted public storytelling, Turkish language workshops, and youth reading clubs in district towns, using university resources to enrich remote communities.
Impact & Strategic Value
By carrying out these outreach activities, Atatürk University not only shares knowledge but also:
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Stimulates interest in higher education among secondary and vocational school students.
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Bridges urban–rural divide by delivering educational content into underserved localities.
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Strengthens university–community bonds, embedding the institution within the social fabric of Erzurum and its districts.
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Enhances visibility and reputation of the university through sustained, locally meaningful engagement.
