2017 40 Hours for the Forty Acres

Texas Science is leading the way in research, technology, and revitalizing 21st century education. With a growing community of more than 13,000 students, 700 faculty, 1,200 staff, and over 65,000 alumni globally, CNS is at the nexus of developing new technologies, ideas, and solutions that are changing the world. Through nationally acclaimed programs and research, we are at the forefront in transforming the way in which students experience science and collaborate to create groundbreaking discoveries.

Give your gift today to support two priorities: Welch Hall and Freshman Research Initiative/undergraduate research across the sciences. With your contribution, you join our mission to further create an enriched environment where experiential learning and research in modern labs remains key to student development.

Help Build a Better Heart of Campus

UT Austin’s largest academic building, Welch Hall has played a central role in educating Longhorns for over eight decades. Hosting over 16,000 students a semester, from across campus, Welch Hall serves as a nexus for Texas Science and research and education. With the renovation of the 1929 wing complete, and a total overhaul of the 1978 wing starting June 2017, we are eager to have dedicated Freshman Research Initiative labs, modernized research hubs, new classrooms and open and bright community space.  These renovations are a key component to the College’s mission to fundamentally transform science education and research in the 21st century.  Every gift counts towards our $25 million fundraising goal to rejuvenate the historic halls that have served the UT Austin for decades.  

Support the Freshman Research Initiative

Experiential, active learning is a key to the future success of our students. The Freshman Research Initiative (FRI), which recently celebrated its ten-year anniversary, puts first and second-year undergraduate students in faculty-led labs for yearlong experiences in real world research. Students participate in small cohorts called research streams that explore the scientific fields of computer science, molecular biology, chemistry, astronomy, physics, and more. Peer-reviewed research of this award-winning program has shown that participating in FRI dramatically increases a student’s likelihood of graduating with an undergraduate STEM degree. Your gift to FRI will help increase the number of students that are able to participate in this life-altering program, as well as help fund the people, space, and supplies that keep this program thriving.