The University of Houston and TLC2 hosted the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp’s kickoff event for the seventh consecutive year on Monday. Dr. Bernard Harris, State Representative Ellen Cohen, and representatives from ExxonMobil addressed the group. The goal of the camp is to stimulate interest among children from all backgrounds to pursue knowledge, and eventually careers, in science and math. Activities include classroom study, experiments, individual and team projects, and field excursions. The camp lasts for two weeks and does not cost the students’ families, which equalizes access to include kids who would otherwise be unable to attend.
Rep. Cohen, a seasoned champion of educational outreach, shared her enthusiasm for the camp. “I think this is an absolutely amazing experience…to see these children listening to Dr. Harris with a glint in their eyes and we know that there are future astronauts, future scientists, and future doctors who will discover things we can’t even dream about. This is a spectacular program.” Dr. Harris, a Mayo Clinic-trained physician and the first African American to walk in space, hails from an underprivileged background and faced many impediments to his own success. He founded the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp to help kids overcome the obstacles he once faced and recognize a wealth of possibilities for satisfying careers in science and math that contribute substantially to the advancement of society.
Dr. Harris credits U of H as an important factor in his own professional development. “Without a doubt, U of H was my launching pad for the things I got a chance to do in life, as a physician, as an astronaut, and now in business. I hold a bachelor of science degree and a master of business administration from here, and that has enabled me to do what I’m doing today.”
About TLC,2
The Texas Learning and Computation Center (TLC2) fosters and supports interdisciplinary research, education, and training at the University of Houston. TLC2 offers state-of-the-art computation, visualization, and educational facilities. Its skilled staff provides support in grant procurement and management, communications and media services, event and outreach coordination, and applications solutions and web development.
About ExxonMobil Foundation
ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of the Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The Foundation and the Corporation engage in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. In the United States, ExxonMobil supports initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and higher education levels. See www.exxonmobil.com/community for more information.
About The Harris Foundation
Founded in 1998, The Harris Foundation is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization based in Houston, Texas, whose overall mission is to invest in community-based initiatives to support education, health and wealth. The foundation supports programs that empower individuals, in particular minorities and economically and/or socially disadvantaged, to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. See www.theharrisfoundation.org for more information.
Contact:
Jennifer James, Director of Communications
Texas Learning and Computation Center (TLC2)
University of Houston
jtjames@tlc2.uh.edu
713-743-3373
www.tlc2.uh.edu