This application requests support for B2-CARS, two 2-week, residential summer enrichment programs (two cohort of students) at Delaware State University that combines hands-on explorations in chemistry, biology, and bioinformatics with laboratory research activities through the lens of natural resources. This project will offer 32 motivated middle school students from under-represented groups an opportunity to integrate and apply concepts from these disciplines to problem solving. The long-term goal of the project is to increase the number of minority students and women entering college majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), thereby addressing the problem of under-representation of minorities in these fields. Our goal in this project is to enhance our participants? educational experience in a way that increases their enjoyment of and comfort with STEM, and helps them understand and solve problems in a broad array of disciplines including life science and medicine. We expect that the B2-CARS experience will encourage and prepare participants to move forward to college majoring in STEM disciplines and increase their awareness of the importance of protecting natural resources.
