Only 16% of African American students in Minnesota meet the ACT College Readiness Benchmark Score in mathematics and only 9% meet it in science. These are issues that were addressed on April 22 at the Minnesota Meeting sponsored by the Minneapolis Foundation. This was the second of three meetings focusing on education policy. The generous support of the Minneapolis Foundation and its Vice President Karen Kelley-Ariwoola provided for 20 girls from Cooper High School who are participants in WE WIN Institute’s Mentoring Program to attend the event. Keynoting the luncheon was the dynamic Dr. Mae C. Jemison, former NASA astronaut and the first woman of color to travel into space. The event was held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. WE WIN girls and 150 middle and high school students were served lunch on china and cloth napkins. All students were provided with electronic devices which allowed Jemison to ask students various questions and receive instantaneous answers. WE WIN student, Anthonette Sims asked Jemison for advice on how more African American youth can have a greater presence in the sciences.
Jemison told Minnesota that we needed to develop a “science literate society” to assure its economic competitiveness for the future. In a packed room of 800, Jemison talked about how fast technology is developing and how science is as important as other school subjects like reading. She went on to explain that science and math skills are about “problem solving and critical thinking skills are the most important aspects of science literacy and being able to work our way through the day.”
Jemison zoomed into orbit aboard the space shuttle Endeavor, September 12, 1992. She was a Science Mission Specialist (a NASA first) on the STS-47 Space lab J flight, a US/Japan joint mission. She conducted experiments in life sciences, material sciences, and was co-investigator in a Bone Cell Research experiment. This multi-talented African American is a chemical engineer, scientist, physician, teacher and astronaut. She has in depth knowledge in technology, engineering, and medical research. In addition to her widespread background in science, she has expertise in African and African American studies and is trained in dance and choreography. Jemison spent two and a half years as an Area Peace Corps Medical Officer for Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa.
Raised in Chicago, IL, Jemison believed in following her dreams; she is committed to making sure that science and technology fields represent the full gender, ethnic, and social diversity of the United States. She encourages all students to pursue careers in the sciences and fields they have a passion for. An advocate of public education, Jemison believes that public schools must be viable. During her presentation she shared that it is never too early to expose children to science because they have a natural curiosity and inclination towards learning and that we as adults must build upon this curiosity. She believes that computer training is not as important as giving young people hands on experience.
Jemison believes that family support and involvement for education in math and science also makes a difference in a child’s learning. Amongst the ways that she believes families can support their children and spur their curiosity is by taking them to museums and places that gives them opportunities experience science.
Insightnews.com