May 11, 2005

Science Bound parents to become students again at Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Approximately 30 parents of Indianapolis Public Schools students who participate in Purdue University's Science Bound program will get a taste of how the program prepares their children for college during a weekend parent retreat at Purdue on May 20-22.

The Science Bound parents will participate in a lab experiment and attend workshops on such topics as safe food handling and weight management. How their children can benefit from Science Bound summer camps and Project Lead the Way, a pre-engineering technology program offered in more than 60 Indiana schools, also will be discussed.

Purdue Provost Sally Mason will address retreat participants at 11:45 a.m. May 22 in the Purdue Memorial Union's West Faculty Lounge. Parents also will tour campus.

Wesley Campbell, Science Bound director, said parents will gain valuable insights on what their children will need to succeed at Purdue.

"Purdue is internationally recognized for the outstanding education it provides in the fields of science, engineering, agriculture and technology," Campbell said. "This retreat gives parents an idea of the many exciting opportunities available to their children and what it will take to flourish in their chosen fields."

George Okantey, Science Bound parent program director, said parents also appreciate the opportunity to interact with other parents who are committed to advancing their children's education.

"Science Bound parents have worked very hard to enrich their children's education and prepare them for college by encouraging their participation in workshops, field trips and after-school programs," Okantey said. "The parents are looking forward to this retreat as the school year draws to a close."

Science Bound, a program initiated by Purdue President Martin C. Jischke in 2002, mentors eighth-grade to 12th-grade Indianapolis Public Schools students and encourages them to take classes in preparation for future careers in science, engineering, technology, agriculture and math-science education. The students also benefit from field trips and after-school programs. Upon acceptance, Science Bound students receive an opportunity to earn a full-tuition scholarship to Purdue to study in an approved technical field.

Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu

Sources: Wesley Campbell, (765) 494-0018, wesleyl@purdue.edu

George Okantey, (317) 275-9305, okantey@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: The media can cover any of the retreat events. For a complete itinerary, contact Science Bound administrative assistant Angela Champion at (765) 494-0018, aachanpi@purdue.edu

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