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Bernard Harris Summer Camps
Former astronaut Bernard Harris and the ExxonMobil Foundation have announced the 23 university campus locations that will host the 2008 ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps this June through August. The two-week residential camps, which are expected to reach more than 1,200 middle school students, offer innovative programs to enhance their knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while encouraging youth to stay in school and fostering leadership and citizenship. With the exception of the University of Houston and the University of New Orleans, which will host two camps, each university will host one camp for a combined total of 25 camps.
“Increasing student proficiency in math and science is essential," said Rex Tillerson, chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil. "Experts predict more than 80 percent of jobs in the next decade will require these skills. Through the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps, our company is taking positive steps to meet the demands of the future for the benefit of our nation and students, we are proud to support Dr. Harris in this endeavor.”
Studies have shown that the United States will face a critical shortage of engineers, scientists and other technically trained workers in the near future. To help address the nation’s math and science crisis, ExxonMobil is committed to supporting programs and organizations that focus on improving math and science education from pre-school through higher education. The Company supports programs to increase the numbers of newly-graduating highly effective science and math teachers, provide professional development and training opportunities for teachers, and attract bright, talented students to pursue science and math-related disciplines in middle school, high school and college.
Click the map to view all 23 science camp locations
“Through our partnership with ExxonMobil and the dedication of the U.S. colleges and universities, we are able to once again expand these meaningful summer programs that address the inquisitive nature of middle school students,” said Harris, veteran of two space shuttle missions and the first African-American to conduct a space walk.
A unique aspect of the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp is that there is no fee for the campers. Instead, young people who are academically qualified, are recommended by their teachers, and are genuinely interested in math and science can be rewarded with the opportunity to attend these fun and educational camps. “With the financial support we receive from ExxonMobil," continued Harris, "we are able to provide 100 percent scholarships to camp participants. The only thing our students must have is curiosity, hope and the determination to do well in school, fostered by the dream to reach the stars. Our two-week camps provide the rest.”
During camp, the students will attend daily classes in natural science, engineering, mathematics and technology, and will be taught by the faculty of the participating universities and secondary classroom teachers. Activities include classroom study, experiments, individual/team/group projects, weekly field excursions and guest speakers who motivate the students into fulfilling their dreams.
