Ruppersberger Announces Maryland STEM Initiative Just in Time for Back-to-School

Goal is to Get Students Interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Now to Prepare Them for Good Paying Jobs Later 
 
(Essex, MD) – Just in time for back to school, Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) today joined former NASA astronaut Don Thomas as well as students and teachers in announcing an interactive science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) initiative in Maryland public schools. The goal of the $1 million dollar program is to get students interested in STEM education now to prepare for them high-paying jobs in the future.

The Baltimore Excellence in Science Teaching (BEST) Partnership provides area teachers with top-notch training and funds to conduct interactive science and math fairs and classes for public school students.  Towson University, Coppin State University and the Maryland BioLab are teaming up with Towson University’s Hackerman Academy – led by former NASA astronaut Don Thomas – and school systems across the state to get elementary and middle school kids excited about science and math. 

“Studies show we have to get to kids early, in elementary and middle school, so they can develop an interest and aptitude for the dynamic STEM fields.  We can open students up to a world of learning now that will benefit them later with a career in a booming industry and a good-paying job.  Chances are that job can be right here in Maryland with the expansion of high-tech companies, even in this tough economy,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), a Member of the House Appropriations Committee.   

"We need to support and energize our teachers so they can excite students about science and engineering," said U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), who, as Chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee that funds NASA, fought to include $1 million for this program in the federal checkbook. “When we give students a science mentor, we give them a love of science for life. That’s why I fought to put the funds in the federal checkbook for the BEST Partnership to recruit and train science and math teachers for Maryland’s classrooms.”

Mr. Thomas is a veteran of four space flights, logging over 1,040 hours in space. The announcement was followed by a hands-on presentation by Mr. Thomas and Oliver Beach students.