The University of New Mexico announced today it will be one of 30 locations for an ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp this summer. This is the first year that UNM, the School of Engineering’s Engineering Student Services and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) have hosted the camp.
The camp will be held June 14- 26 and will include 50 middle schoolers from New Mexico and Arizona, mainly recruited from rural communities. The camp’s theme is Traditional Knowledge, Modern Challenges. The residential camp gives students a first-hand experience with experiments, role models and innovative programs to encourage their continued participation in math and science courses in school.
Additionally, their leadership potential and citizenship skills are fostered along with their abilities to work in teams and think creatively, while spending two weeks in a college campus environment. The ultimate goal is to raise their awareness of career possibilities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“UNM, the School of Engineering’s Engineering Student Services and AISES are excited to be part of this wonderful camp experience for our local students,” said Shirley LaCourse, AISES Deputy CEO. “We’re not only providing these students with an amazing two weeks on our campus, we are also doing our part to develop the next generation of creative thinkers and inventors.”
Unlike most summer camps, there is no fee required to attend the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp. Young people who are academically qualified, recommended by their teachers and genuinely interested in math and science can be rewarded with the opportunity to attend these educational camps at no cost.
One of the highlights of the camp will be on June 18 when two former astronauts address the group. Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., a physician and the head of the Harris Foundation, logged more than 438 hours in space. He was a mission specialist on STS-55 in 1993 and the Payload Commander on STS-63 in 1995.
John Bennett Herrington, a member of the Chickasaw Tribe of Oklahoma and one of the first American Indians in space, flew on STS-113 and logged more than 330 hours in space, including three “spacewalks” outside the shuttle as the mission delivered cargo from the Space Shuttle to the International Space Station. These distinguished men will discuss their NASA experiences with the students.
Students will attend daily classes in natural science, engineering, mathematics and technology, which will be taught by faculty from the University of New Mexico. Activities include classroom study, experiments, individual/team/group projects, weekly field excursions and guest speakers who motivate the students into fulfilling their dreams.
Repeated studies have shown that the United States faces a critical shortage of engineers, scientists and other mathematics- and science-literate workers, with a significant number of practicing engineers nearing retirement and not enough students are pursuing related degrees.
Through numerous efforts, ExxonMobil is supporting programs and organizations that focus on improving mathematics and science education at all levels.
For a complete list of campus locations, please visit the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp website at www.theharrisfoundation.org.
About UNM, School of Engineering’s Engineering Student Services
Engineering Student Services (ESS) in the School of Engineering at The University of New Mexico provides support services such as advisement for all first-year general engineering students and transfer students, STEM summer programs for K-12 and incoming freshmen students, outreach including recruitment, career fairs and classroom presentations, tutoring, scholarships, and multicultural programs. These activities are designed to build a pipeline for students to major in STEM fields and provide the support to retain these students to successfully complete their degree and either continue in advanced academic programs or pursue a career with a technologically advanced company.
About the American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES)
AISES is a national, nonprofit organization headquartered in Albuquerque which nurtures building of community by bridging science and technology with traditional Native values. Through its educational programs, AISES has provided opportunities for American Indians and Alaska Natives to pursue studies in science, engineering, and technology arenas. Currently AISES’ extensive membership network includes over 2,500 members, 160 college chapters, and 200 K-12 Affiliated schools, representative of over 200 American Indian tribes.
About ExxonMibil Foundation
ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The Foundation and the Corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. In the United States, ExxonMobil supports initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and higher education levels.
Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries. In 2008, together with its employees and retirees, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its divisions and affiliates, and ExxonMobil Foundation provided $225 million in contributions worldwide, of which more than $89 million was dedicated to education. Additional information on ExxonMobil’s community partnerships and contributions programs is available at Exxonmobile.
The Harris Foundation
Founded in 1998, The Harris Foundation is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization based in Houston, Texas, whose overall mission is to invest in community-based initiatives to support education, health and wealth. The foundation supports programs that empower individuals, in particular minorities and economically and/or socially disadvantaged, to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams.
The Education Mission of the Harris Foundation is to enable youth to develop and achieve their full potential through the support of social, recreational, and educational programs for grades K-12. Through three primary initiatives— The DREAM Tour, the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp and Dare to Dream—the foundation encourages math and science education, motivates youth to stay in school, fosters youth leadership and citizenship, as well as instills the values of responsibility, fairness and respect.
The Harris Foundation believes that students can be prepared now for the careers of the future through a structured education program and the use of positive role models. To date, more than 10,000 K-12 students have participated and benefited from THF programs.
Harris Foundation
Media contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627;e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu