9355558 Koopman The American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) in 1990 initiated a program to enhance U.S. high school science education, establish new links between high schools and biomedical investigators, and attract more students into scientific careers. High school science teachers are provided a stipend to work in the laboratory of an ASCI sponsor for 1-2 summers, during which they receive instruction in state-of-the-art techniques in the context of hands-on participation in a research project. Continued interaction throughout the school year with ASCI sponsors, accomplished physician-scientists who are excited about their work, is a central feature of the program. In addition, teachers will attend workshops directed toward translating the summer research experience into effective classroom activities and to train teachers to become a training resource for their peers, especially minority teachers working in schools with primarily minority/disadvantaged/underrepresented students. Applications are judged upon the scientific merits of the proposal, the motivation, leadership skills and qualifications of the teacher and ASCI sponsor, support of the high school administration for the program, and the impact that the teacher's participation is anticipated to have upon science education at the local level. Follow-up reports are required from program participants, and an external evaluation component has been established for ongoing evaluation of the program. The ASCI funded the program itself in 1991 and is committed to providing ongoing support. In addition to seeking NSF funding, the ASCI has secured and continues to seek funding from industry.
