Unusual Coalition Fights
"Stemphobia" in DC Youth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2010
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sheila Garnett
703-818-3101
“Morning of Discovery” Set for Oct. 29 at
Metropolitan AME Church
Are minority youth “STEM-phobic” – fearful of
studying science, technology, engineering and
mathematics?
Determined to demystify these subjects and encourage
District middle school students to study and prepare to
enter these vital and lucrative careers, an unusual
coalition of religious, educational, governmental,
private and non-profit organizations have joined forces
to host the “Percy Julian Morning of Discovery on
Saturday, October 29 at Metropolitan AME Church, 1518 M
St. NW.
Metropolitan’s community outreach arm, called the
Daniel Alexander Payne Community Development Corporation
(CDC), is collaborating with the American Chemical
Society, the National Organization for the Professional
Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers,
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Howard University’s
Department of Atmospheric Sciences and Metropolitan to
host the inaugural event and jointly launch the Percy L.
Julian Institute. Dr. Julian (1899-1973) was an
award-winning African American research scientist and
held more than 130 chemical patents.
“Minorities have historically been significantly
underrepresented in the STEM fields,” said Rev. Ronald
E. Braxton, senior pastor of Metropolitan. “They deserve
to be able to pursue opportunities and be supported and
encouraged to follow their dreams.”
Targeting minority middle school students from
Washington, D.C. public and charter schools, the “ Percy
Julian Morning of Discovery” will provide parents with
resources to nurture their children’s interest in STEM
subjects and counseling to students on classes they must
take credibly apply for college to major in STEM fields.
Signin and continental breakfast for the “Morning of
Discovery” begins at 8 am and the event starts at 9 am.
Offerings include talks on the opportunities for women
and minorities, active scientists leading hands-on
experiments, scientists leading students in discovery
sessions at the American Chemical Society, located next
door to Metropolitan at 1522 M St. N.W.
Registration and photo release forms should be
completed and returned to
jsturner25@hotmail.com or register online at
www.percyjulianmorningofdiscovery.eventbrite.com and
return the forms to
drpercyjulianmorningofdiscovery@gmail.com.
-end-