February 6, 2009

Science Bound students to meet Indianapolis business leaders

The sixth annual Science Bound Career Day will take place from 8 a.m. to noon. Feb. 28 at the Purdue Extension office, 6640 Intech Blvd., Indianapolis. Approximately 50 Indianapolis Public Schools students will attend workshops developed by Indianapolis business leaders from Bowen Engineering; Shiel Sexton Construction; Rolls-Royce, AADC; Raytheon Co.; Indianapolis Power & Light Co.; General Electric Co.; Eli Lilly and Co., and Applied Engineering. High school juniors also will have the opportunity to interview for summer internships with Indianapolis companies or Purdue academic departments.

Victor L. Lechtenberg, Purdue vice provost for engagement, will provide opening remarks. A Science Bound student enrolled at Purdue also may speak.

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

"Career Day is a much-anticipated event," Campbell said. "The students realize the value in having direct access to these business leaders and learning about their companies. They often have a much better idea of what they would like to study at Purdue and how that applies to their prospective career."

Campbell said the internships also provide practical experience.

"Internships give students hands-on practice in their chosen fields," he said. "They also give students an advantage during the job application process. Previous Science Bound interns have raved about their experience."

Science Bound mentors eighth-grade to 12th-grade IPS 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.

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

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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