Science Bound Celebrates Its Tenth Year

Program inspires Des Moines area students of color to study science and math

AMES, Iowa - Science Bound has many reasons to celebrate. Not only does this year mark the program's 10th of helping underrepresented students of color and their parents in the Des Moines area, the first Science Bound participant will graduate from college this May. Science Bound is run by the Institute for Physical Research and Technology at Iowa State University.

"Ten years of teamwork by students, their parents, teachers, ISU professors and generous volunteers and sponsors has allowed Science Bound to achieve its goal of increasing these students' interest and participation in science and math," said Kathy Trahanovsky, Science Bound program director. "With 31 program graduates currently enrolled at ISU pursuing technical degrees and 16 more coming next year, we've demonstrated that developing this early interest and commitment carries through into college." The promise of a full tuition scholarship to attend ISU to pursue a technical degree - made to all Science Bound participants who complete the program - adds to the program's success.

The 10th Anniversary Student Banquet for Science Bound will take place April 25th at the Embassy Suites by the River in Des Moines. The banquet is held annually to recognize Science Bound seniors; this year, early program contributors will also be acknowledged. Corlis Moody, newly appointed director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, will be the keynote speaker.

Another banquet highlight will be the recognition of Charles Stewart as the first Science Bound student to receive a college degree from ISU. Ten years ago, Stewart was in eighth grade and a charter member of Science Bound; this May he will graduate with a degree in agricultural biochemistry. Although interested in science at an early age, Stewart said the regular exposure to science through the program made a difference in his continued interest in the field. Stewart, who is also the undergraduate student president of the national society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, plans to pursue a doctorate degree.

"We're delighted that Charles is Science Bound's first ISU graduate. He is an excellent role model, not just for Science Bound students, but for anyone wanting to live their dreams," said Trahanovsky.

Science Bound involves students in grades eight-12, their parents, math and science teachers, ISU professors and volunteers. The Science Bound program provides activities, held after school and on Saturdays, to complement the regular school curriculum. Students must maintain a specific grade point average in addition to participating in Science Bound activities. The first two years of the program, which began in 1990, were funded by a grant from National Science Foundation. Since its inception, more than 400 students have participated in the program; 190 students participated in 1999-2000. In addition to funding from ISU and IPRT, this program is made possible by industry sponsors. More information about Science Bound can be found on the Web at: http://www.public.iastate.edu/~iprt_info/SB/scibnd.html.

Science Bound is part of the Institute for Physical Research and Technology, a network of research and technology-transfer centers and industrial-outreach programs at ISU. More information about IPRT can be found on the Web at: http://www.iprt.iastate.edu/.

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Last updated September 6, 2006 rbm