Ford Research Laboratory high school science and technology program (HSSTP)
- Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, MI (United States)
Since 1984, the Ford Motor Company Research Laboratory has offered a series of Saturday morning enrichment experiences and summer work opportunities for high school students and teachers. The goal is to increase awareness of technical careers and the importance of science and mathematics in industry. The Saturday sessions are run entirely by volunteers and are organized around current topics ranging from fundamental science (e.g., atmospheric chemistry) to advanced engineering and manufacturing (e.g., glass production). A typical session includes a lecture, laboratory tours and demonstrations, a refreshment/social break and a hands-on activity whenever possible. Over 500 students and teachers participate annually from over 120 area high schools. Nearly one third of the students are minorities from the city of Detroit. Session quality is monitored through feedback from participants and volunteers. Juniors and seniors who attend at least three sessions are eligible to compete for four-week summer internships. Typically, about twenty-five to thirty interns (out of forty to fifty applicants) are selected on the basis of a transcript, teacher recommendation and a 2500-word report on a technical topic. Ford also generally hosts about eight summer teacher fellows through a statewide program that began as an HSSTP initiative. The HSSTP was recently recognized by the industrial Research Institute as one of eleven {open_quotes}Winning [Pre-College Education] Programs{close_quotes} nationwide. Keys to success include strong grassroots and managerial support and extensive networking in the community.
- Research Organization:
- Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 111108
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9404192-; TRN: 95:007145-0045
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Sigma Xi forum for scientists educators and national standards on action at the local level, Atlanta, GA (United States), 14-15 Apr 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of Scientists, educators, and national standards: Action at the local level; PB: 250 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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