Washtenaw Community College to receive grant to fund pre-college math and science program
Washtenaw Community College will be offering an intensive two-week program for the summer of 2013 for pre-college students to promote the science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM, fields thanks to a $25,000 grant from the DTE Energy Foundation.
Students study inside a Washtenaw Community College media lab. This summer, WCC will be offering the STEM program for pre-college students interested in learning more about science, technology, engineering and math.
AnnArbor.com file photo
The purpose of the STEM program is to engage students in STEM fields, help them meet minimum requirements for entering college-level courses, and introduce them to skills that will be helpful in college.
"Because everyone has different interests and needs, the pre-college STEM initiative is tailored to be relevant for each student," said Rose B. Bellanca, WCC president, in a statement. She said students will be pointed to the sessions that fit their needs. "They will also receive helpful information on how to manage test anxiety, access financial aid, and take advantage of support services at the college."
The DTE grant will help fund faculty, tutors and program guides, who will expose students to various STEM fields, potential careers and hands-on activities.
Nagash Clarke, who teaches chemistry at WCC and has helped develop the STEM program, wants students to realize they might be able to tackle subjects that seem out of reach.
"There are so many bright students in our community," he stated. "We want them to expand their view of what's possible and think to themselves, 'Why not take physics? Why not major in chemistry? Why not find the cure for cancer?'"
The program runs , from 9 a.m.-3 p.m on weekdays from July 15 to 26 at a cost of $50. There is room for 24 students and lunch is provided. For more information, go to the program's website or contact Clarke at 734-973-3319 or nclarke@wccnet.edu.
Comments
Jeffersonian Liberal
Sun, Apr 28, 2013 : 1:23 p.m.
Would programs like these be needed if the union run government schools had been doing their job? I think not. Ask any college professor, these kids can't write, or pass a basic algebra test. I demand a refund on my property taxes!
Epengar
Sun, Apr 28, 2013 : 4:55 a.m.
Both your questions are answered on the program web page, linked at the end of the article. "The program is designed for students entering 10th to 12th grades in the fall semester and for students that will be starting their first semester of college during the 2013-2014 academic year." dotdash, it's customized reading, writing, and math tutoring for students whose skills are below college level, plus cool science exposure (maybe you'd call it rah-rah) to encourage interest in studying science in college.
dotdash
Sat, Apr 27, 2013 : 10:13 p.m.
Is this for kids who didn't take physics or chem in HS? Or those who did? It's hard to tell from the description if it's actual coursework or just a rah-rah session to encourage people to take STEM classes in college. Clarification?
PhillyCheeseSteak
Sat, Apr 27, 2013 : 9:15 p.m.
So this program is only for those students entering college in the fall? Is it just this year?