Published: 04-14-08
Provides Opportunity and Incentive to Pursue Studies in Critical Fields
AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry today announced the establishment of the Governor’s Science and Technology Champions Academy for winners of the ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair. Winners will receive full scholarships to attend the four and a half day-long residential academy to be held at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) this summer.
“Science math engineering and technology represent the foundation for the majority of tomorrow’s high-demand high-skill jobs” said Gov. Perry. “This new science and technology academy will allow students to further their studies in the critical fields of tomorrow enabling Texas to remain competitive in a global marketplace.”
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Executive Director Larry Temple and UTSA President Ricardo Romo surprised the 2008 science and engineering fair winners with the news that they are the first class to have the opportunity to receive full scholarships to attend the academy.
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Executive Director Larry Temple and UTSA President Ricardo Romo surprised the 2008 science and engineering fair winners with the news that they are the first class to have the opportunity to receive full scholarships to attend the academy.
“By providing access to superior learning opportunities like the Governor’s Science and Technology Champions Academy we can encourage and reward the pursuit of science and engineering studies” said TWC Executive Director Larry Temple.
The fields of study provided at the academy will include engineering physics chemistry mathematics geology biology and technological sciences. Students will participate in daily activities focusing upon the study of fluids in the Earth’s crust and may include lessons in such areas as oil and gas exploration and recovery global positioning system mapping and water resources. Other possible areas of study include the biological and geological issues related to oil gas and water resources.
Using specialized camps and summer camps as a tool for recruiting and retaining students in the computer science and engineering disciplines has been cited by the Texas Engineering and Technical Consortium (TETC) as two of ten best practices for increasing graduates in the computer and engineering fields.
More than 1000 middle and high school students compete in the State Science and Engineering Fair after qualifying at regional competitions. The winners from the senior division will have the opportunity to advance to the International Science and Engineering Fair competition in Atlanta in May.
The Governor’s Science and Technology Champions Academy is among dozens of science-based summer camps funded with $1 million by the TWC to support Gov. Perry’s initiatives to prepare Texas’ future work force.
