Nine East Baton Rouge Parish School System educators, five from Capitol Elementary School and four from Capitol Middle School, were chosen to attend ExxonMobil’s Sally Ride Science Academy in San Diego this year. 

Among the 275 educators from across the country attending the 2011 Academy were Capitol Elementary Principal Mona Collins and her teachers, Brittany Bush, Melisha Jenkins, Felisha King and Nikki Washington.  They attended the program last week.  In addition, Capitol Middle School teachers Etopia Emery, Myra Johnson, Marine Patterson and Thomas Willey will participate in the program July 10-14.

More than 395 educators have been Academy trained to date, impacting more than 2,700 educators nationally.  The Academy showcases diverse role models in science and engineering fields and is made possible by the support of ExxonMobil.  Participating teachers learn new, innovative strategies to raise students’ awareness of and interest in science and science careers.

The Academy is a partnership between Sally Ride Science, founded by the first American woman in space, Dr. Sally Ride, and ExxonMobil.  The program educates teachers and counselors about the importance of introducing young students to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers; showcases diverse role models in those careers; and provides pathways to incorporate STEM career awareness in the classroom.

Educators were selected by district administrators based on their qualifications, dedication to inspiring students at an early age and overall commitment to enhancing the teaching profession.

“I’m thrilled to announce the selection of these fine educators,” Ride said. “Research shows that introducing young students to the wide variety of science careers available, the many paths to becoming a scientist, and the vibrant women and men working in science today makes girls and boys more likely to stay interested in science and to consider a science career. By partnering with ExxonMobil, we’re equipping educators with the necessary tools to encourage students to pursue math and science in higher education and beyond.”

The Sally Ride Science Academy utilizes a train-the-trainer model that prepares Academy graduates to train other teachers in their district during the 2011-2012 school year. Graduates and their trainees will receive sets of the Sally Ride Science Cool Career book series for use in their classrooms.  Since the inaugural Academy in 2009, the Academy has trained more than 395 educators in 41 districts spanning 14 states and the District of Columbia. Those educators have since returned to their districts and trained more than 2,700 additional educators using Academy materials.

“Programs like the Sally Ride Science Academy brought to you by ExxonMobil will help transform the perception of scientists and science-based careers and inspire young people to take up careers in these areas,” said Truman Bell, senior program officer for education and diversity for ExxonMobil. “It’s our responsibility to ensure that every child feels inspired and competent in these subject areas to face the challenges of the future.”

The Sally Ride Science Academy is part of ExxonMobil’s investment in math and science education in the United States. The company supports numerous other initiatives that encourage students to take an active interest in careers in the math and science fields; support the professional development of highly qualified teachers and promote involvement of women and minorities students.