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Bowie State University, Howard University and University of Virginia
hold joint event in D.C. July 14
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Sponsored by ExxonMobil, free camps reach under-served populations
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Camps show middle school students that math and science are exciting
and fun
Instead of video games and skateboards this summer, middle school
students from three D.C.-area universities — Bowie State, Howard
University, and University of Virginia — created their own mind-bending
fun at a special event held during a two-week summer science camp
adventure on the campus of Howard
University. With topics of discovery such as a mission to Mars,
robotics, energy and the environment, the free camps are designed to
spur the imagination of today’s students and encourage them to pursue
careers in math and science.
As a component of the ExxonMobil
Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp, Howard University campers were
joined by campers from Bowie State University and the University of
Virginia to participate in a special “Media Day,” which was held at
Howard University’s Armour J. Blackburn Center, on July 14. Students
worked side by side with engineers as part of their educational
experience. At the same time, they were exposed to role models who are
accomplished in their chosen technology-related careers.
This is the fourth year that former NASA astronaut Dr. Bernard Harris
and ExxonMobil
have partnered to provide these academic enrichment camps on university
campuses. The camps are offered to middle school students from
traditionally under-represented and underserved populations who are
academically qualified, recommended by their teachers and genuinely
interested in mathematics and science. This year’s program is expanded
to include 30 campuses across the country with the goal to reach 1,500
students.
According to data from the Congressional Diversity in Innovation Caucus,
African Americans hold only 4.4 percent of science and engineering jobs
while just 3.4 percent are held by Hispanics.
“This represents a significant percentage of untapped talent who could
potentially be our next generation of technology innovators," said
Gerald McElvy, president of ExxonMobil Foundation. "At ExxonMobil, we
are committed to helping increase students’ interest in lucrative and
exciting careers with this unique camp experience.”
“Howard University is honored to again host the ExxonMobil Bernard
Harris Summer Science Camp,” said Dr. LaWanda V. Peace.
