The Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) is a cutting-edge research institution developing remote sensing technologies and applications, while actively encouraging weather and climate education in both formal and informal settings. By developing and facilitating educational outreach programs, CIMSS is able to build the interest of students fascinated by the earth's weather and climate systems. Through time, this curiosity often leads to the pursuit of a remote sensing or other meteorology related career.

One program developed by CIMSS is the High School Summer Workshop on Atmospheric, Earth and Space Sciences, offered since 1991. This 4-day program for pre-college students is filled with hands-on activities in meteorology, geology, astronomy and remote sensing. Participants have the opportunity to work directly with scientists, graduate students, professors and emerging technologies to observe and study the earth. By highlighting the facilities available to these prospective Badgers, the workshop builds interest in the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a possible choice for their education.

Another program, the Teacher Workshop on Geoscience Time Scales & Global Climate Change, is aimed at providing high school science teachers with the preparation and knowledge they need to further educate and inspire their students with regards to current technologies and understanding related to remote sensing and climate change.

Finally, by facilitating a section of Grandparents University, an outreach program developed by the Wisconsin Alumni Association and UW Extension, CIMSS is able to bring together grandparents, often UW-Madison Alumni, and their elementary school-aged grandchildren under the common interest of meteorology. This program promotes the cross-generational fascination with weather and the earth, and through it grandparents can help spark further scientific inquiry in their grandchildren.