Expanded Program Ends on High Note
HOUSTON (July 29, 2010)— While most students spent the summer swimming, playing sports or just hanging out, 100 students from the Houston area were fortunate enough to be selected to take part in the 2010 HoustonWorks USA STEM Initiative, sponsored by Shell, held at Texas Southern University and the University of Houston. These middle school and high school students were exposed to aeronautics, robotics, meteorology and rocketry. During the program, students were provided guest speakers whose topics covered Health and Wellness, Green Energy, Hurricane Preparedness, Preparing for a Career and Lessons for Life. The National Aeronautic Space Administration (NASA) partnered with HoustonWorks USA which allowed the students access to The Johnson Space Center, NASA officials as well as holding live teleconferences with NASA Mission Control.
“This has been a phenomenal program this year,” said Mr. Larry V. Green, CEO, HoustonWorks USA. “The students were exposed to many different career options through our guest speakers as well as through the curriculum. Our wonderful partnership with Shell and now with NASA, has allowed our students to hear how important science, technology, engineering and mathematics is going to be to our future. This year’s program has succeeded more than anyone could have imagined”
Due to past successes, the 2010 STEM Initiative was held on two university campuses. The middle school program was held at Texas Southern University and the high school program was held at the University of Houston. The program has provided participants real world experiences and hands-on activities including exposure to meteorology, aeronautics, space exploration and robotics. Each participant received a $150 stipend upon completion of the four week program. Students spent three days each week working on projects and then had a weekly field trip that reinforced the lessons learned in class.
The closing ceremony for the 2010 STEM Initiative will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2010 beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Science and Technology building on the campus of Texas Southern University. Students from both the middle school and high school program to come together to receive reorganization for completing the program and hear from Keynote Speaker, Jennifer Scott Williams, NASA Space Shuttle flight controller. The event is open to the public.
About HoustonWorks USA:
Founded in 1984, HoustonWorks USA is the leading provider of services focusing on job placement, continuing education and vocational training. Serving more than 1 million annually, HoustonWorks USA provides job seekers with a variety of workshops including job search techniques, interviewing skills and resume writing, or use of the resource library with Internet access and postings of local, state and national job openings. Training is also available in career fields such as healthcare, business, computers and education. HoustonWorks USA manages several of the largest Workforce Solutions offices in Houston and the surrounding region for the Houston Galveston Area Council. These offices offer a wide range of services for job seekers as well as employers looking for trained workers. HoustonWorks also provides numerous youth programs including internships, scholarships, summits and summer camps. HoustonWorks is a 501(c) 3, tax-exempt organization. Visit www.houstonworks.org for additional information.
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