ISMagazine.com

Education Opportunities

October, 1999

Web Site Highlights Nearly $12.7 Million In Grants to Improve Precollege Science Education

CHEVY CHASE, MD - July 15, 1999 -- A new website, <http://www.hhmi.org/precollege99>, was made public by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) today as it announced the award of $12.7 million to thirty-five biomedical research institutions in 25 states. The grants are to enrich science education in local schools and help attract a broad range of students to biomedical careers.

The site includes a list of the awards, a questions and answer section about the awards, and profiles of selected award recipients.

The four-year awards will fund a variety of innovative programs for students and teachers, such as computer-networked DNA laboratories, partnerships between working scientists and science teachers, and mentoring programs that encourage rural and inner city youngsters to explore the biomedical sciences. The website explains the different types of programs.

Ranging from $225,000 to $500,000, the new grants bring to $23 million the total awarded by HHMI since 1994 through this precollege science education initiative, which focuses on the unique - and often underutilized - resources of medical schools and other biomedical research institutions. The grants help the institutions to develop partnerships with neighboring schools and share their specialized labs and highly trained researchers with the community.

"With their wonderful scientists and research facilities, these institutions have proven to be an invaluable resource to schools," said Purnell W. Choppin, HHMI's president. "They have helped large numbers of students and teachers to learn first-hand about the remarkable advances occurring in the biological sciences. With this second round of awards, we continue to encourage collaboration among researchers, science educators, students and families, and to expand the opportunities for teachers and students to conduct research alongside real scientists."

The new awards support programs of three kinds:

1. Teacher professional development
2. Student activities
3. Projects such as curriculum development and Web-based activities, involving students, teachers and others.

"These awards highlight the revolution in the use of technology, particularly the Web, to supplement hands-on experiences for teachers and students," said Joseph G. Perpich, HHMI's vice president for grants and special programs. "Students and teachers alike are benefiting from projects that will network teachers with scientists and provide access to extensive genetic databases and other curricular resources."

Since 1988, HHMI has awarded $149.5 million for precollege science education. Precollege is part of the Institute's larger grants program - the biggest private initiative in U.S. history to enhance the quality of science education. Since 1988, HHMI has granted $709 million, primarily for science education from preschool through postgraduate training. For more information see <http://www.hhmi.org/grants>.

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is a medical research organization that employs scientists in cell biology, genetics, immunology, neuroscience and structural biology. Hughes investigators conduct medical research in HHMI laboratories at 71 outstanding academic medical centers and universities nationwide. Through its complementary grants program, HHMI supports science education in the United States and a select group of researchers abroad.

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