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Math Plus Science Equals Summer Fun; 85 Middle School Students to Attend the ExxonMobil/NASA-Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp

Posted on: Monday, 19 June 2006, 09:00 CDT

Summer camp used to be for swimming, fishing and swatting mosquitoes.

This summer, however, 60 students from Houston and 25 Native American students from Oklahoma will spend time with an American astronaut at the ExxonMobil/NASA--Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp. The students will attend daily classes in natural science, engineering, mathematics and technology taught by faculty from the University of Houston, Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Houston area school districts.

According to a congressional study, the United States will have a shortage of more than 500,000 engineers, scientists and other technically trained workers by the year 2010. The study suggests that it is imperative that the United States start educating youth in the math and science fields early enough to engage and retain their interest in these disciplines through college and into future careers.

In response to that potential crisis ExxonMobil, NASA and The Bernard Harris Foundation have joined together to enable 85 middle school youth to attend the summer science camp. More than 1,000 students from Houston area school districts and Native American Tribal Schools in Oklahoma applied to attend the camps being held at the University of Houston and Southwestern Oklahoma State University.

The goals of the Summer Science Camp are to enhance students' knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; increase their abilities to successfully complete university and college programs in these disciplines; and enrich the math and science teacher/educator expertise in science, engineering and technology. Activities include classroom study, experiments, individual/team/group projects, weekly field excursions and guest speakers who motivate the students into fulfilling their dreams.

"The indication is that many of our children are trailing their international peers in math and science achievements," said Gerald McElvy president of ExxonMobil Foundation. "It is going to take a concerted effort of public, private and government sectors all working together to turn around this trend. That is why ExxonMobil Foundation has joined with NASA and the Bernard Harris Foundation, organizations that realize the importance of math and science, in sending middle school youth to this prestigious camp. These students will have the unique opportunity to experience an intensive curriculum of math and science subjects that will significantly enhance their opportunities to join the next generation of technological leaders."

Student participants are chosen by a selection committee which works with school counselors, teachers and supervisors that help identify those students who would most benefit from the camp. To attend the camp, students must have demonstrated a high commitment and interest in math and science; be members of a traditionally underrepresented population; have at least a "B" average in math and science; passed the state's standardized tests; and be recommended by math and science teachers.

"We had applicants from all across the country apply to this year's Summer Science Camp," Harris said. "There were many qualified candidates, and it was very difficult to select only 85 students to participate in the two camps. This year's Summer Science Camp is the largest in its 10-year history. The overwhelming response underscores the need for youth education programs in the community. We are committed to do our part to enhance American students' skills in math, science and engineering, and to enable them to fulfill their dreams."

A student's commitment to the ExxonMobil/NASA-Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp does not end once each session is complete. They must commit to participate in follow-up activities and experiments during the following academic year and take part in the "Follow-Up Program" until graduation from high school.

ExxonMobil, Bernard Harris Foundation and NASA are committed to seeing each of the camp participants succeed academically, and by requiring post evaluation techniques they hope to nurture each student's interest in math and science throughout their entire academic career.

About ExxonMobil Foundation

ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The Foundation and the Corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. In the United States, ExxonMobil supports initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and higher education levels. Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries. In 2005, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its divisions and affiliates, and ExxonMobil Foundation provided $133 million in contributions worldwide, with $42 million dedicated to education. Additional information on ExxonMobil's community partnerships and contributions programs is available at http://www.exxonmobil.com/community.

About NASA Education

For nearly 50 years, NASA's journeys into air and space have deepened humankind's understanding of the universe, advanced technology breakthroughs, enhanced air travel safety and security, and expanded the frontiers of scientific research. These accomplishments share a common genesis: education. NASA will continue the Agency's tradition of investing in the Nation's education programs and supporting the country's educators who play a key role in preparing, inspiring, exciting, encouraging, and nurturing the young minds of today who will manage and lead the Nation's laboratories and research centers of tomorrow.

About Harris Foundation

Science, math and engineering are critical to society's infrastructure for the 21st century. Preserving that future requires an investment in the youth of today. The Harris Foundation, Inc. (THF) is a 501 (c)(3), non-profit organization based in Houston, Texas that directly addresses this issue through innovative classroom-based educational programs.

Founded in 1998, THF supports social, recreational and educational programs that allow minorities and other economically and/or socially disadvantaged youth to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. Through two primary initiatives -- the Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp and Dare to Dream -- the Foundation encourages math and science education, motivates youth to stay in school, fosters youth leadership and citizenship, as well as instills the values of responsibility, fairness and respect. To date, more than 2,500 K-12 students have participated and benefited from THF programs in the Houston community.

Source: Business Wire

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