A Regional Center to Improve Minority Access to Education and Careers in Science, Engineering and Mathematics in the Greater Philadelphia Region

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This prototype project includes several activities to strengthen minority education from junior high school through the baccalaureate degree. It was developed as a cooperative effort among a number of colleges and universities, school districts, educational support organizations, community groups, unions, and corporations in the Philadelphia area. During the first year of operation, a set of activities, based on science and mathematics experiences, and designed to nurture, encourage and motivate minority students, are being implemented. These include an intensive faculty mentoring program to encourage community college minority students to continue on to the baccalaureate degree. These mentors provide career information, plan and supervise field trips, arrange visits to scientists and engineers in their work places, integrate students into support services and tutoring, and advise students about their course of study. Additional mentoring is provided by minority student support groups that will provide volunteer minority tutors and organize talks by minority scientists. Undergraduate research experience is provided through targeting selected community college students in their sophomore year. Precollege student activities from junior high through high school center around enrichment programs including special workshops in mathematics, science, and communication. To augment these activities each student's school is matched with an industry and/or government agency to provide invaluable resources such as role models, demonstrations, speakers, field trips, etc.