Delaware State University Receives Federal Education Grant

WASHINGTON, DC – A Delaware State University program designed to encourage women to pursue careers in mathematics and science has received a $25,000 grant from the federal Education Department, Sen. Tom Carper announced today. The money has been targeted to support the Girls Explorations in Mathematics and Science (GEMS) program. The three-week summer program will be offered to 20 motivated female high school students entering tenth and eleventh grades. The curriculum will combine hands-on exploration in mathematics, biology, and information technology with various research activities. This project aims to enhance the participants high school experience in a way that encourages them to become mathematics, biology, or information science majors when they go to college, ultimately addressing the problem of under-representation of women and minorities in these fields. “I am thrilled to know that the GEMS program has received this important support,” said Senator Tom Carper. “Now more than ever, it is important that we encourage talented students – whatever their gender or ethnicity – to consider careers in mathematics or the sciences.” This grant is part of the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program. This Department of Education initiative provides money to improve science education at predominantly minority institutions and to increase the flow of under-represented ethnic minorities, particularly minority women, into science and engineering careers.