Washington University in St. Louis will host its fourth ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp June 20-July 2 for more than 45 St. Louis-area disadvantaged middle schoolers interested in math and science.
The camp is a free, two-week academic residential camp designed to boost middle school students’ skills in math and science and their interest in related careers as well as introduce them to college life.
This is the fifth year that former NASA astronaut Bernard Harris, the first African-American to walk in space, and ExxonMobil have partnered to provide these camps on university campuses.
Washington University’s Science Outreach program, which provides math and science resources to K-12 students and educators, received a $80,000 grant from the ExxonMobil Foundation and The Harris Foundation to support the camp, held on the Danforth Campus.
The camps are offered to middle school students from traditionally underrepresented populations who are academically qualified, recommended by their teachers and genuinely interested in math and science.
This year’s program is expanded to include 30 campuses throughout the country and will reach 1,500 students.
The camp gives students a first-hand experience with experiments, role models and innovative programs to encourage their continued participation in math and science courses in school.
Campers, who stay in residence halls on WUSTL’s South 40, participate in activities that involve problem solving, research, writing and communication, incorporated with biology, chemistry, physics and field excursions. Experienced teachers, including WUSTL faculty and graduate students, lead units on various science topics, including robotics, computers, engineering challenges, astronomy and math.
“Washington University is proud to host its fourth camp for St. Louis area students,” said Mary C. Mohr, camp director. “We provide two weeks full of science investigations, outdoor activities, field trips and cultural events. We want to do our share to encourage the next generation of creative thinkers and inventors.”
St. Louis-area students in grades 5-7 from underrepresented communities are eligible for the program and are encouraged to apply. Visit so.wustl.edu for applications and more information. The deadline to apply is April 2.
About ExxonMobil Foundation
ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Exxon Mobil Corp. in the United States. The Foundation and the Corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. In the United States, ExxonMobil supports initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and higher education levels. Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education, promote women as catalysts for development, and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries. Additional information on ExxonMobil’s community partnerships and contributions programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.
About The Harris Foundation
Founded in 1998, The Harris Foundation is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization based in Houston, Texas, whose overall mission is to invest in community-based initiatives to support education, health and wealth. The foundation supports programs that empower individuals, in particular minorities and economically and/or socially disadvantaged, to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. The Education Mission of the Harris Foundation is to enable youth to develop and achieve their full potential through the support of social, recreational, and educational programs. The Harris Foundation believes that students can be prepared now for the careers of the future through a structured education program and the use of positive role models. To date, more than 10,000 K-12 students have participated and benefited from THF programs. www.theharrisfoundation.org.
About Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is a leader in teaching and research worldwide, and is highly regarded for its commitment to excellence. The university draws students and faculty from all 50 states and more than 125 countries. Each year, more than 13,500 students enroll in more than 90 programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Its Science Outreach program enhances learning for K-12 students and educators through graduate courses, school partnerships and enrichment programs like the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp.