HOUSTON (April 8, 2011) – HoustonWorks USA is searching for the next Einstein with the launch of the 2011 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Excelleration Experience. The STEM Excelleration Experience, sponsored by Shell, is a four-week summer camp and will run from July 5 – 30, 2011 on the campuses of the University of Houston (UH) and Texas Southern University (TSU).
STEM Excelleration is a program that the HoustonWorks USA STEM Institute is using to address the nation’s challenge to remain competitive in STEM education. The Institute plans to accomplish this through teacher training, advanced research in STEM related fields, youth focused programming and continued measurement of participants both during and after program completion.
“As the international economic climate continues to change, it is crucial for investments to be made in the minds of these young people,” said Larry V. Green, CEO, HoustonWorks USA. “Through the STEM programs, HoustonWorks USA is building a highly competitive future workforce.”
This year, 100 students, 50 from middle school and 50 from high school, will have an opportunity to participate in the program. STEM Excelleration offers a learning environment which will encourage students to identify and solve problems while increasing their knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Throughout the program, qualified STEM instructors will work closely with students, giving them a deeper understanding of what is needed for them to be prepared for working in a global economy.
“For the United States to continue as the world leader in technology, we must support and nurture a well-educated workforce,” said Kerri Smith, Program Director, Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship and HoustonWorks USA Board Member. “By providing students an opportunity to participate in these STEM programs, we are doing our part to insure that Houston’s workforce continues to be competitive and robust.”
Participants will engage in eight hours of daily classroom study and one weekly field trip. Middle school students will be assigned to UH main campus, while high school students will attend TSU. STEM curriculum is reinforced with exclusive field trips to local museums, corporations as well as other STEM focused locations. STEM participants receive practical, hands-on training in a variety of fields including aeronautics/aviation, chemistry, earth science, energy conservation/exploration, rocketry and robotics.
Interested students should be enrolled in 6th – 10th grade by fall 2011 and have a GPA of no less than 3.0. Application packets can be accessed at www.houstonworks.org/youthprograms and are due on April 22, 2011. For more information on STEM Excelleration, please call Tony Williams at 713.654.1919 x 1149 or e-mail STEMexperience@houstonworks.org.
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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