Leaders of Marian College and the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce announced on May 11 a partnership that would provide annual scholarships for science, science education, mathematics or mathematics education to students of employees of companies or not-for-profit organizations who are members of the Chamber. The scholarships are another major development in Marian’s science education initiative. Marian College joins Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) and the University of Indianapolis in the "Education Plus” program, which offers Chamber members discounts on continuing education and other professional development opportunities. Marian will provide 25 scholarships of $2,000 each which are renewable and available to each student for four years. Applicants must meet Marian College’s academic standards for admission and be a new full-time student. Those interested in this scholarship opportunity should e-mail admissions for more information. ”The ‘Education Plus’ program was first created to offer Chamber members and their employees tools and resources to be more productive in today’s workplace,” said Roland M. Dorson, president, Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. “With Marian’s scholarship offerings, the program has now expanded to help ensure the success of tomorrow’s workforce, and we’re grateful for Marian’s participation.” Marian’s science initiative was launched as an answer to America’s growing need for math and science teachers. The authors of the National Academies of Science’s 2006 report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future, are “deeply concerned that the scientific and technical building blocks for our economic leadership are eroding at a time when many others are gathering strength.” Their first recommendation is to “increase America’s talent pool by vastly improving K-12 science and mathematics education.” They call for the nation to annually recruit 10,000 science and mathematics teachers. Marian College has a long history of preparing K-12 teachers and many have been outstanding, award-winning science teachers. Responding to the call of the National Academies of Science, Marian College President Daniel J. Elsener is redirecting the college’s resources to prepare more K-12 science and math teachers. The Education Plus scholarship opportunity is one part of a larger effort that includes summer science camps for high school students and summer professional development workshops for science teachers. Marian has also recently received several gifts that will bolster scholarships for the science initiative. “According to data from the international math and science benchmarking study called TIMMS, Indiana’s elementary school students rank above the national average in science, but by the time they reach high school, they have fallen way behind. If we work hard and work together, we can give Indiana’s committed and talented teachers the resources that they need to keep students interested in science. Indiana’s liberal arts colleges and universities can make a difference by providing programs like those being offered by Marian College,” said Elsener. Summer science programs for students and teachers
A new summer science program at Marian College in Indianapolis brings students and teachers together for hands-on, interactive learning, boosting Indiana’s visibility in the increasingly critical area of science and technology education. Marian’s new three-week summer program includes a teacher workshop, a practicum where teachers engage students using newly acquired skills, and a summer camp where students go on trips and participate in field activities. Increased giving designated for science education
Marian College has been successful in attracting investments in science education since the National Academies’ report was published. The Eli Lilly and Company Foundation recently gave the college a $45,000 grant for the summer programs in science and the Summer Youth Program Fund gave a $13,000 grant to the program. Late last year, an anonymous gift of $500,000 was received for the college’s laboratory facilities, summer camps, faculty salaries, and integrated science curriculum planning. Other gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations are anticipated.