Its a good idea that just got better. The College of Engineering and Applied Science at CU-Boulder is expanding its popular High School Honors Institute to reach middle school students interested in careers in math and science.
The college is collaborating with the St. Vrain Valley School District on a pilot program that will bring 24 seventh and eighth grade students to the campus for a two-day residential program, June 15-16. Organizers hope to be able to open the program to other school districts for participation in future years.
Students who have good academic records in math and science will attend hands-on workshops in two engineering disciplines, explore career opportunities and participate in extra-curricular activities. Sessions will be held in the colleges Integrated Teaching and Learning Laboratory, an innovative facility designed to provide real-world experience for students.
Middle school math and science teachers from the St. Vrain district also will participate in the program as classroom resource specialists.
Sponsored by a workforce readiness grant from the New Century Energies Foundation, the Middle School Honors Institute is intended to help students explore a variety of engineering careers while encouraging them to continue in math and science so they will be prepared when they reach college age.
"Students need to have early hands-on experiences so they can develop their interests and make the right curriculum choices to prepare them for engineering careers," said Sherry Snyder, director of student programs for the College of Engineering and Applied Science.
The middle school institute is modeled on the colleges successful High School Honors Institute, which has been attracting top high school juniors from around the state since 1968. This years High School Honors Institute will be held Aug. 1-4.
The college is accepting applications for the High School Honors Institute through June 16. For information, call (303) 735-2440, or send email to hshi@colorado.edu.
Applications can be downloaded off the college's Web site at http://www.colorado.edu/engineering/hshi.