February 13, 2008

Science Bound students to gain internships, career counsel

The fifth annual Science Bound Career Day will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 23 at the NCAA Hall of Champions, 700 W. Washington St. The students will participate in workshops developed by Indianapolis business leaders from Bowen Engineering; Shiel Sexton Construction; Rolls-Royce, AADC; Raytheon Co.; Veolia Water Indianapolis LLC; Indianapolis Power & Light Co.; General Electric Co.; Eli Lilly and Co., Applied Engineering and L'Acquis Consulting Engineers. High school juniors also will have the opportunity to interview for summer internships with Indianapolis companies or Purdue academic departments.

Jay Akridge, Purdue interim vice provost for engagement, will speak to the students at 9 a.m. A Science Bound student enrolled at Purdue also may speak.

Wesley Campbell, Science Bound director, said students attending the event will gain valuable insights into what careers they might like to pursue.

"The students always come away very impressed," Campbell said. "It's a big advantage to have direct access to these business leaders and learn firsthand how their companies operate. They also have a much better idea of what they would like to study at Purdue and how that fits into their career ambitions."

Campbell said the internships also provide valuable hands-on practice.

"Internships give students direct experience in their field of choice," he said. "They also provide an advantage during the job application process. The Science Bound students who interned last summer spoke very highly about this opportunity."

Science Bound mentors eighth-grade to 12th-grade Indianapolis Public Schools students and encourages them to take classes in preparation for future careers in science, engineering, technology, agriculture and math-science education. Upon acceptance, Science Bound students receive an opportunity to earn a full four-year tuition scholarship to Purdue to study in an approved technical field. The first class of 30 Science Bound students began their studies at Purdue in August.

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

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

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

Note to Journalists: Media can shoot photos or video footage of many of the workshops and speakers. To make arrangements and receive an itinerary, contact Kimm Strickland, Science Bound administrative assistant, at (765) 494-0018.

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