Press Release
July 13, 2009
Forty Northeast Iowa high school students participate in Math & Science Academy
The Iowa Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) provides college prep opportunities in math and science for minority and low-income students
High school students from Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler and Grundy counties were chosen to participate in a new five-week summer program held on the University of Northern Iowa campus. The Academy focused on providing students interested in math and science with coursework and experiences to prepare them for attending college.
The 40 students who participated in the program held June 13-July 18 were provided with free room, board and tuition based on their academic achievement, interest in math and science, and overall need. The Iowa Mathematics and Science Academy is funded through a competitive grant as part of the Iowa Math and Science Education Partnership (IMSEP).
IMSA Director Angela Francis emphasized the academic advantages of the Academy saying, "IMSA takes students from five counties, many who are leaving home for the first time, and helps them to continue to make academic and personal gains throughout the summer. Students participating in IMSA engage in college-level coursework and hands-on laboratory activities with university faculty. Ultimately, we hope that these students will be better prepared to pursue degrees in math and science, and more excited to explore careers in these fields."
During the program students took college preparatory courses, visited the University of Iowa and Iowa State University and completed projects meant to spark further interest in attending Iowa colleges and universities majoring in math and science. Over the next three summers students will complete four college-level courses for credit that can be applied to future college work.
IMSEP executive director, Jeff Weld remarked about the program, "The Iowa Mathematics and Science Academy is one of IMSEP's most exciting projects. By tapping exceptional Iowa high school students, this program not only gives them a feel for college life, it gives the participants an academic base for a successful college career."
A partnership of the state’s three public universities, the Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Partnership is headquartered on the University of Northern Iowa campus and charged with improving mathematics and science performance of Iowa students while preparing more high quality mathematics and science teachers for Iowa’s schools.