University educator gets NSF grant for special summer training

With the help of a $100,000 National Science Foundation grant, a group of 50 area students will spend a part of next summer at Mississippi State improving their science and mathematics skills.

The NSF award, announced in June, will enable a university teacher to hold two concurrent, four-week camps for African-American students in grades seven and eight. The program will stress both basic and casual learning skills, said project director William J. Sumrall of the College of Education's Curriculum and Instruction Department.

Priority in the selection of camp participants will be given to Oktibbeha County students, Sumrall said. However, depending on the number initially recruited, the area could be expanded.

Sumrall said campers also will be introduced to future career opportunities and will tour campus research facilities and off-campus industries.

To monitor the students' development, tests will be given at the beginning and end of each session. Also, a minimum of four follow-up programs during the 1996-97 school year will be used to encourage and assist students in developing displays for spring science fairs.

"A memorable part of school for many is a science fair," Sumrall said. "For this reason, our entire program will be project-oriented."

For additional information on the camp, contact Sumrall at 662-325-3747.