Ursuline College Receives $47,000 Grant for Summer Science Program for High School Seniors
TG’s Public Benefit Grant Programs has awarded $47,000 to Ursuline College to initiate a summer science program for Northeast Ohio high school seniors interested in earning college credit and scholarship dollars toward college. Science FIRST: Focusing Interest in Real-Life Science and Technology encourages students to choose a college major in the STEM areas of science,
technology, engineering, math and medicine.
“We’re targeting students from low-to-moderate-income families and first generation college students who are interested in pursing a career in the sciences and getting a jump on earning college credit,” said Sr. Christine De Vinne, Ursuline’s Dean of Arts and Sciences. “This initiative is perfect for students specifically interested in chemistry, pharmacy, medicine or other science-related fields.”
De Vinne explained that the program, which focuses on the class of 2009, is two-pronged. It includes an intensive two-week course, Current topics in Science: A Global Perspective, taught on the Ursuline campus July 14-17 & 21-24 coupled with a fall distance-learning component. Participants will explore the world’s energy options, global water and air quality as well as worldwide perspectives on infectious disease. Students will return to Ursuline in January for a day-long session, with an optional research presentation.
The second part of the program is aimed at assisting students with the college application process and providing them with mentoring support throughout their first year. Upon successful course completion, participants will receive college credit for their work and $500 tuition scholarship toward the college or university of their choice.
“As a leader in health and human services, we’re very excited to have received funding for this worthwhile program,” said De Vinne, who commented that it “offers Northeast Ohio a way to introduce students to careers in the STEM areas, all needed for economic growth.”
Materials and scholarships are provided by TG’s Public Benefit Grant Program, a non profit corporation that helps create access to higher education for millions of families and students through its role as an administrator of the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Ursuline College was one of 46 non profit organizations, and the only higher education institution in Northeast Ohio, to receive 2007-08 funding. TG awarded more than $5.2 million for projects last year alone.
For more information, including application materials, log onto www.ursuline.edu/academics/artsci or contact Dr. Jeanette Nappier at jnappier@ursuline.edu or 440-646-8158.
