ECSU Magazine 2.1.pmd - Elizabeth City State University

community outreachSummer programsreach out topre-college studentsIt takes a good strategy and a strongnetwork to fulfill the need for moreprofessionals in mathematics, thesciences and transportation. Five specialprograms with summer components arebusily working toward that goal. The North Carolina Mathematics and ScienceEducation Network (MSEN) at ECSU intriguedover 215 students in grades 6 through 12 withenrichment activities in math, science andtechnology. On Saturdays throughout theacademic year and one week in the summer,Robin Joyner, Director of the Program, saysyoungsters from Bertie, Chowan, Gates,Hertford, Pasquotank and Perquimanscounties participate in the sessions.ECSU is one of six universities in the UNCsystem that hosts the MSEN SaturdayAcademy and Summer Scholars Program. InApril, 84 students composed an ECSU teamand competed in an annual state competitionat UNC-Chapel Hill. The team placed in 18 outof 23 academic competitions and tied for firstplace in the total number of medals won. Fifteen students from four northeastern NorthCarolina counties pondered future solutionsfor the state highways while attending thefifth Summer Transportation Institute atECSU.The Federal Highway Administrationsponsors the intensive four-week residencyprogram for students in high school. Thestudents learn lessons in highway design,transportation of people and cargo,environmental issues, regulations and safety.Dr. Ellis Lawrence is the program coordinator.Youth from Martin, Gates, Perquimans andPasquotank counties took related field tripsand completed student projects. Approximately 300 students enrolled, ages 9to 16, in the National Youth Sports Program(NYSP) to test their skills in assorted sports,math and science classes. Thurlis Little, theprogram’s Activity Director, said the students’day is divided between three physicalactivities and math and science courses. Theyouths learn fundamentals in sports such asbowling, softball, volleyball, swimming,badminton, and track and field. Drug andalcohol prevention is another component ofthe summer program. NYSP is funded andsupported by the U.S. Department of Healthand Human Services, the National YouthSports Corporation, and the North CarolinaDepartment of Health and Human Services.Participants came from Pasquotank County,Camden, Perquimans, Chowan and Gates.(Continued on Page 30)ECSU MAGAZINE FALL 2003 29