September 17, 2007

Science Bound takes another leap forward

Interim Provost Victor L. Lechtenberg and Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Eugene White on Sept. 24 joined Science Bound supporters in celebrating the program's continued success. The event was at the Crowne Plaza at Union Station, 123 W. Louisiana St., Indianapolis. Approximately 500 students, parents, mentors and corporate partners were in attendance, including the senior class of 60 Purdue hopefuls.

Science Bound, a partnership among Purdue, the Indianapolis Public Schools and Indianapolis business community, was initiated in 2001. It provides eligible IPS students an opportunity to earn a four-year tuition scholarship to Purdue to study for a science-related career. The program, which started with 60 middle school and high school students, has grown to more than 250 students who participate in after-school activities, field trips and summer camps to enrich their academic experience.

"These students have worked extremely hard to begin their academic careers at Purdue," Lechtenberg said. "We want to make sure that they have a smooth start and that their first year is successful, both academically and socially. We're also busy preparing for the 2008 Science Bound class, which, to our delight, could be twice as big."

Science Bound director Wesley Campbell said the program will continue to reach out to IPS students due to continued support from the Indianapolis business community.

"Future Science Bound classes recognize this support and understand that they, too, have the opportunity to pursue a career in a science-related field," Campbell said. "Internships with Indianapolis-based businesses, summer camps, field trips and other enrichment opportunities for these students have prepared the first class for their studies at Purdue. Thanks to our sponsors and corporate donors, we have a pipeline of eager students preparing to follow in their footsteps."

At the event, Science Bound students Mareana Footman, a freshman in Purdue's College of Science, and Keegan Dunn, a senior at Arsenal Tech High School, shared their experiences with the program. Corporate sponsors also were recognized.

The evening concluded with a prize drawing and an awards presentation for students who have excelled in the program at all grade levels.

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

Sources: Victor L. Lechtenberg, (765) 494-9709, vll@purdue.edu

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

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

Note to Journalists: A video of event highlights featuring Science Bound students and their parents will be available. To request a copy, contact Ted Schellenberger at (765) 494-2051, tschelle@purdue.edu. To reserve a seat at the dinner or arrange interviews with students, contact Marydell Forbes, Purdue News Service, at (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu.

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