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July 21, 2003

New director to oversee Science Bound program at Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A Purdue University engineering graduate has been named to direct Science Bound, the Purdue program that makes college degrees in science- and math-related fields a reality for underrepresented Indianapolis students.

Wesley Campbell

Science Bound's new director, Wesley Campbell, received his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Purdue and has served as the director of minority programs for the Purdue School of Technology since 1995.

Science Bound, an idea initiated in 2002 by Purdue President Martin C. Jischke, mentors eighth-grade to 12th-grade Indianapolis Public School students and encourages them to take classes in preparation for future careers in science, engineering, technology and math-science education. Upon acceptance, Science Bound provides students an opportunity to earn a full-tuition scholarship to Purdue to study in an approved technical field.

ScienceScape students
Download photo - caption below

Campbell said he is pleased to lead a program that will continue to increase diversity and offer new academic opportunities – goals identified in the university's strategic plan.

"To actively participate in a program that motivates, encourages and challenges our youth to excel in the technical areas is an extremely valuable and worthy goal in which to invest one's life," Campbell said. "I am grateful and excited about the opportunity to serves as the director of Science Bound."

Students selected for the Science Bound program are identified in the seventh grade based on a variety of criteria, including standardized test scores, teacher recommendations and potential in math or science. Once selected, students take part in field trips, after-school programs and summer camps. Currently, 157 students from 17 IPS middle schools and seven IPS high schools are participating in the Science Bound program.

Each student also is assigned a mentor-teacher. Mentor-teachers are responsible for the implementation of the Science Bound program and conduct regular meetings to ensure that students are provided with the guidance and support necessary for their success.

Campbell's previous experience includes serving as the continuing education program manager and professor of mathematics at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, the grant manager at Brookhaven College in Dallas and as an engineer with Procter & Gamble Co.

Campbell received his master's degree in biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing his doctorate in biblical studies from Trinity Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Ind.

Science Bound is sponsored by Purdue, the Indianapolis Public Schools and Indianapolis business community leaders.

Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765)496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Source: Wesley Campbell, (765) 494-0018, wesleyl@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

 

PHOTO CAPTION:
Arnee Sykes, in forground, celebrates her discovery with Jamicia Cole on Friday (7/18) during a simulated animal bone excavation at Purdue University's West Lafayette campus. The two Indianapolis students were among participants in ScienceScape, a camp for middle-school girls and Science Bound students. Purdue's Science Bound program offers underrepresented students from Indianapolis opportunities to earn full-tuition scholarships to Purdue to study in preparation for a science-related career. (Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger)


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