Photos: 2009 Siemens Teacher Scholarships Awarded
February 23 2009 - 11:03AM
PR Newswire (US)
Million Dollar Program Inspires Students at Nation's Historically
Black Colleges and Universities ISELIN, N.J., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/
-- Today the Siemens Foundation announced the winners of the 2009
Siemens Teacher Scholarships in collaboration with the Thurgood
Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and the United Negro College Fund
(UNCF). The program provides recognition and financial support to
students at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs)
who plan to become science or math teachers. Many Siemens Teacher
Scholars gain their first interactive classroom teaching experience
through the Siemens Foundation's Siemens Science Day program
(http://www.siemensscienceday.com/), a nationwide initiative in
partnership with Discovery Education that has reached more than
50,000 elementary and middle school students since its inception in
2006. By participating in Siemens Science Days, Siemens Teacher
Scholars are able to share their passion for math and science and
gain a unique and concrete teaching experience. To view the
Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/siemens/37210/ (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO )
"Considering our new administration's call to improve science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, our
programs to promote the growth of teaching careers are more
pertinent than ever," said Jeniffer Harper-Taylor, Vice President
of the Siemens Foundation and graduate of Southern University in
Baton Rouge, LA, one of the country's 105 HBCUs. "By providing the
tools and resources to students who have expressed a genuine
interest in teaching math and science, we get a step closer to
increasing the number of teachers and role models for our next
generation of leaders," she said. On January 5, 2009, brothers
Joshua and Adam Wright, seniors at Morehouse College in Atlanta,
Georgia, conducted a Siemens Science Day for five classes of fifth
graders at University of Chicago Laboratory School, the former
school of President Obama's daughters, Malia and Sasha. The future
teachers worked together to instruct each class on the process of
photosynthesis. As Adam Wright, a computer engineering major said,
"My Siemens Science Day presentation was one of the most enjoyable
experiences in my short lifetime. Interacting with students who
were eager to learn about plants, sun and energy was very
encouraging for the future." "The Siemens Foundation's
philanthropic investment to increase the number of minority
teachers in the STEM areas is in an investment in the future of our
country," said Dwayne Ashley, president and CEO, TMCF. "We are
proud to join forces with a partner who is committed to the
discovery and excitement of science education. The leadership at
Siemens understands that in a globally competitive economy, we must
invest in the next generation of teachers who will nurture research
and innovation in the sciences with future generations to solve
some of the world's greatest challenges." The Siemens Foundation
has provided $1 million in scholarships to support undergraduate
and graduate students through the Siemens Teacher Scholarship
program. The funds are awarded and administered by TMCF and UNCF.
This year, 29 students will receive scholarships. HBCUs play a
vital role in meeting America's need to increase and diversify
science teaching professionals. "Siemens' commitment to promoting
the development and training of future leaders in science among
under-represented groups demonstrates its leadership and its
understanding of the importance of preparing this nation to be able
to compete in the global economy," said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D.,
UNCF President and CEO. "Siemens' investment in the future of
science and education will enable these HBCU students to become the
research scientists, professors and teachers of tomorrow." Lindsey
R. Rutledge, a scholarship recipient and sophomore attending Howard
University, said: "I truly believe that my destiny is to work with
youth as an educator. I believe that becoming a teacher is a
special calling and should not be viewed as 'just a job.' Teachers
must want to add to the students' educational experience. They must
be sensitive to any challenges students may have; this special
position just does not begin and end with the ringing of the school
bell. You must be passionate about being a teacher." Click here for
a full list of the 2009 Siemens Teacher Scholars. About the Siemens
Foundation The Siemens Foundation provides more than $7 million
annually in support of educational initiatives in the areas of
science, technology, engineering and math in the United States. Its
signature programs, the Siemens Competition in Math, Science &
Technology and Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, reward
exceptional achievement in science, math and technology. The newest
program, The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, encourages
K 12 students to develop innovative green solutions for
environmental issues. By supporting outstanding students today, and
recognizing the teachers and schools that inspire their excellence,
the Foundation helps nurture tomorrow's scientists and engineers.
The Foundation's mission is based on the culture of innovation,
research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens'
U.S. companies and its parent company, Siemens AG. For more
information, visit http://www.siemens-foundation.org/.
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/siemens/37210DATASOURCE: Siemens
Foundation CONTACT: Jeniffer Harper-Taylor, Siemens Foundation,
+1-732-603-5884, ; or Judy Huang, Weber Shandwick, +1-212-445-8346,
Web Site: http://www.siemens-foundation.org/
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