Purdue News
Purdue News
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September 3, 2002 Science Bound celebrates second year with 150 studentsWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Students, teachers, mentors, community and corporate partners will gather today (Wednesday, 9/3) at the Indianapolis Colts training facility to celebrate the start of a new school year and the more-than-doubled enrollment in the Science Bound program.
Science Bound, a partnership among Purdue University, the Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and the Indianapolis business community, was initiated two years ago by Purdue President Martin C. Jischke. The program gives underrepresented IPS students an opportunity to earn a full scholarship to Purdue to study for a science-related career. Science Bound, which started with 60 middle and high school students, has grown to 150 students. Wes Campbell, Purdue's Science Bound director, said the purpose of the program is to increase diversity and offer new academic opportunities by exposing IPS students to careers in their chosen field of study. "Support for, and the popularity of, the Science Bound program has grown steadily over the past two years and continues to grow with the business community and Science Bound participants alike," Campbell said. "The effect the program has had on students' grades as well as their attitudes concerning school is extremely positive. In addition, many of the parents of Science Bound students have expressed their appreciation for the wonderful opportunity this program affords. I only wish we were able to offer the program to even more deserving students." To be eligible for the full scholarship, selected IPS students must successfully complete the five-year Science Bound program and gain acceptance to Purdue in an approved field, including engineering, math, science, technology or math/science education. Students selected for the program are identified in the seventh grade based on a variety of criteria, including standardized test scores, teacher recommendations and their math or science potential. Once selected, students take part in field trips, after-school programs and summer camps. 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 necessary guidance and support. Writer: Jesica Webb, (765) 494-2079; jwebb@purdue.edu Source: Wes Campbell, (765) 494-0018, wesleyl@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: Journalists interested in covering this event, which begins at 6:30 p.m., should contact Jesica Webb, (765) 494-2079, jwebb@purdue.edu.
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