SSC-9350528 UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School Newark, NJ Gona, Ophelia "NJMS Summer Science Camp" As a means of stimulating minority youth to stay in school and pursue careers in sciences, engineering or mathematics (SEM), a multidisciplinary Summer Science Camp for rising ninth graders will be established at New Jersey Medical School. Specific objectives address the acquisition of certain SEM skills and familiarity with professions and professionals of these disciplines. The camp will provide an almost total immersion and integrated experience in SEM for participants. A novel, Fantastic Voyage, by Isaac Asimov, will provide the central theme for camp activities which will include: field trips, visits with SEM professionals, hands-on experimentation and exploration, and computer use. Built into the design are activities to encourage and enhance basic skills. Numerous opportunities will exist for campers to meet SEM professionals. Various activities will explore the training necessary for SEM careers. Parents will be active home partners in their children's summer experience and will have opportunities to visit the camp and take field trips with campers. Participants will be academically capable minority students. Staff will include the Director, Counselors (teachers from local high schools), and Junior Counselors (rising college freshmen who have interest and ability in the sciences or mathematics), all of whom will be underrepresented minorities. Achievement of the camp's objectives will be assessed by techniques such as pre-and post-testing, anecdotal records, etc. Long-term monitoring and follow-up of participants will be achieve by twice yearly Science Days and by biannual communication with parents and participants for four years following the camp experience. Long-term goals are for participants to graduate from high school four years after the camp experience, to attain a grade of B or better in each of three high school science courses an d three mathematics courses, and to be admitted to a college at the end of high school with a major in one of the SEM disciplines.
