NASA, Exxon and the Bernard Harris Foundation formed a partnership to send 85 minority middle school students to the Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp. The students are from the Houston Independent School District and Oklahoma Native American tribal schools.

The sessions run July 9-21 at the University of Houston and July 16-28 at Southwest Oklahoma State University, Okla. The goals of the program are to enhance students’ knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; increase their abilities to successfully complete college programs in these disciplines; and enrich technology educator expertise. Activities include classroom study, experiments, individual and team projects and weekly field excursions.

Students must have demonstrated a high commitment and interest in math and science; be members of a traditionally underrepresented population; have at least a “B” average in math and science; passed the state’s standardized tests and be recommended by their teachers. A student’s commitment to the summer science camp doesn’t end with the session. They commit to participate in follow-up activities until graduation.

NASA is continuing the tradition of investing in the nation’s education programs and supporting the country’s educators to ensure the next generation of explorers is prepared for science’s new frontiers. For information about NASA’s education programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/home