LOCAL GROUP RESPONDS TO PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA’S CALL FOR GREEN JOBS BY DEMANDING BETTER MATH AND SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR INNER CITY CHILDREN    FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE: Philadelphia, Dec. 2, 2008: The achievement numbers for minority students in math and science are dismal but the hope is not.  As American students in general continue to slide in international math and science comparisons, a regional group has joined forces to focus on turning around decades of neglect in the region’s urban schools.    The Urban STEM Strategy Group (USSG) is part of the Pennsylvania PA STEM Initiative.  President-elect Obama’s call for investment in green jobs resonates with USSG group leaders.   The USSG will hold a symposium Wed. December 3, 2008 at the Franklin Institute featuring world renowned math and science learning expert Dr. A. Wade Boykin, from Howard University.  “The challenge is clear, states Dr. Boykin We must close achievement gaps while raising achievement for all students. This won’t happen substantially until we shift the schooling paradigm, and base teaching and learning on the solid evidence of what works.    The evidence is clear that changing how learning happens will lead to optimal learning outcomes”. There will also be a panel of experts which include Dr. Steven Cox, Project Director, Philadelphia AMP, Drexel University; Dr. Stephen Jones, Associate Dean of Students, Villanova College of Engineering; Robin Hightower, College Career Technical Education, SDOP; Anthony Martin, Founder - Executive Director, Urban Youth Racing School; Dr. Moses Williams, Director of Physician Scientist Training Program, Temple University School of Medicine. “Pennsylvania is an oasis for STEM innovators.  We are assembling to discuss effective strategies that engage our youth and make science, technology engineering and mathematics programs more appealing.”  Velda Morris, USSG Co-Chair. “The poor math and science learning of America’s children is not an inner city problem.  It’s a national problem.   My son is in the 12th grade and had a Spanish teacher teaching his physics class for three months.  We can’t sustain our quality of life if we don’t aggressively address this issue.  Fortunately there’s a lot of good information for parents and advocates in this region.”  Jamie Bracey, USSG Co-Chair. When asked to make the connection between science, math and careers, both Morris and Bracey point to the importance of a new kind of literacy.   “A green job means a child who wants to be a good chef should understand chemistry.   A student who wants to repair hybrid cars needs computer and robotic technology skills.    Future environmentalists need earth science.   Manufacturers need people who can use today’s technology to machine new parts, read computerized specs, put solar panels together.   In fact, a lot of parents could use the training right now” About USSG The USSG is an advisory and advocacy coalition of representatives of the Regional STEM compact who have committed to strategically increasing the participation of minority children and adults in the region’s various STEM pipelines.  USSG members include parents, current and retired engineers, corporate trainers, robotics and science educators, teachers, workforce leaders and policy advocates.  They share a common belief that tech savvy kids in urban schools are an untapped natural resource. USSG Contacts

Jamie Bracey                                                       Velda Morris

610-223-6641                                                       215-400-4031

 Jamie.bracey@temple.edu                                 vmorris@philasd.org