This project involves a cooperative effort among the institutions of the Atlanta University Center (Atlanta University, Clark College, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College), together with Georgia State, Georgia Tech and the Atlanta Public Schools. It consists of a set of coordinated activities, targeted initially throughout Metropolitan Atlanta, designed to significantly increase the representation of minorities in careers in science, engineering and technology. The broad-based approach taken to solve the underrepresentation problem centers on the establishment of coalitions among colleges, public schools and community organizations. The activities include formal education during the precollege and undergraduate years and informal science education for all ages from early childhood through the adult years. A set of coordinated activities are being implemented, with responsibilities distributed among the several institutions and organizations. For example, Saturday Science Academies for elementary students will be established at several of the institutions (patterned on the model developed at Clark College) and summer enrichment institutes will be taught by teams of faculty from the Atlanta University Center, Georgia State and Georgia Tech. At the undergraduate level, Georgia Tech will play the lead role in a six-week summer enrichment program for minority students in engineering following their freshman year, while Georgia State, with a major role in teacher education, will be responsible for developing and implementing the 5-year MAT and M.S. programs. The informal science education component, developed cooperatively with other Atlanta groups, e.g. APPLE Corps and Zoo Atlanta, involves a number of activities such as: "Science is for Everybody" consisting of portable learning units based on permanent exhibits from Atlanta's major science/technology centers; Science and Technology Programs for Boys Clubs and Girls Clubs; and Community Forums on Effective Schools. A central project focus is on instructional strategies which will nurture, encourage and motivate students within the context of science experiences. This project is an excellent example of a Comprehensive Regional Center for Minorities. It is targeted at a minority population of substantial size (600,000), and it is comprehensive in terms of attention to the various educational levels and age groups, in disciplinary coverage, in coordination and cooperation among school systems, colleges and universities and community organizations, and in its focus on nurturing, encouraging and motivating minority students. Significant additional financial support is being contributed to the project by the participating organizations and groups.
