The Rice Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM) is a single point of contact for all science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related outreach and education efforts at Rice University.  We promote science awareness by supporting Rice faculty and students, as well as K-12 educators, who are developing STEM-related educational outreach programs.  In collaboration with the Office of Vice President for Research, we facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations, professional development workshops for teachers, and collaborations between scientific and educational communities that integrate authentic research and practices.