Science and math are among the most powerful tools we possess for understanding and improving our world. Yet, according to a Congressional taskforce study, the United States will have a shortage of more than 500,000 scientists and engineers by the year 2010. The National Science Board estimates that the United States will need an additional 1.9 million science workers in the next 10 years. Without those workers, the economy may continue to suffer, and Americans may face a lower standard of living. At this critical juncture in our nation’s history, a commitment must be made to educating our youth about the STEM disciplines in the early grades.
This effort is even more crucial for historically underrepresented students. African-Americans make up 6.2 percent of scientists and engineers, well below the 10.7 percent they represent in the workforce, according to the Commission on Professions in Science and Technology. Of the 3.4 million scientists and engineers who were employed in the traditional science and engineering occupations, only about 10,000 were Native Americans. The National Center for Educational Statistics found that Latinos account for only 3 percent of U.S. scientists and engineers, even though they represent 14 percent of the population.
Designed to introduce students to the concept of sustainability, the IU Summer Science Camp will focus attention on water as a natural resource that young students are likely to take for granted. The camp will provide a fun-filled setting for students to gain a deeper understanding of the STEM disciplines and to learn about exciting careers in science. Student applicants must be academically qualified, genuinely interested in mathematics and science, and be recommended by two teachers.
Student applications are due May 18, 2009 and are available on the IU Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp Web site. The camp is also recruiting experienced teachers and counselors. Staff applications are due May 15. All applications are available on the Web site: www.indiana.edu/~dema/bhssc.shtml.
Harris, a former NASA astronaut and the first African-American to walk in space, created the camps four years ago with support from ExxonMobil. Activities include classroom study, experiments, individual, team and group projects, weekly field excursions and guest speakers who offer guidance in college preparation and careers.
“The success of this program is due to the support from ExxonMobil and our partnership with renowned universities like Indiana University,” Harris said. “It’s rewarding to realize how many kids we can reach by providing a new and fun experience involving science while raising awareness about math and science careers.”
The Summer Science Camp is the latest in a series of successful initiatives to help inspire students to pursue STEM careers. IU also hosts the HBCU STEM Summer Scholars Institute, a partnership with historically Black colleges and universities. Several camp activities will take advantage of this synergy and opportunities for mentoring. Students will attend Indiana Black Expo’s Summer Celebration and will receive follow-up instruction in Saturday Institutes throughout the school year.
For more information, contact Dr. Paul Edwards, camp program director at (812) 856-5700 or email iubhssc@indiana.edu. Student and teacher applications are available at www.indiana.edu/~dema/bhssc.shtml. Information about student eligibility and selection criteria can also be found at the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp Web site: www.theharrisfoundation.org/programs/summersciencecamp/index.htm.
What: ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp for underrepresented middle school students to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
Where: Indiana University Bloomington
When: July 12-24, 2009
Who: Contact Camp Program Director, Dr. Paul Edwards (812) 856-5700 or iubhssc@indiana.edu
