The Optical Society (OSA) Foundation is working to inspire a new generation of science lovers through its Optics Suitcase program. The program, demonstrated for middle school students this week as part of OSA’s annual Winter Leadership event, includes hands-on experiences focused on optics concepts. It is designed to introduce students to the dynamic range of concepts within the study of light. “Outreach to young students is one of the most significant ways we as optics and photonics professionals can impact and inspire future scientists,” said Michael Morris, chairman of the OSA Foundation. “I encourage my fellow optics colleagues to bring the science of light alive for students in their local areas through this type of outreach.” The program includes a teaching guide and materials for interactive demonstrations and experiments in topics including polarization, diffraction and selective reflection. The individual experiments are designed for students to take home as a reinforcement of the classroom lessons. For more information, visit: www.osa.org/en-us/foundation