56 students experience innovation at TI summer institute

07/13

TI engineer Kelvin LeBeaux works with some of the Frank Greene Scholars during the Summer Science Institute at TI in Santa Clara, Calif.

Fifty-six African-American elementary and middle school students experienced innovation firsthand by attending a Summer Science Institute recently at TI's Santa Clara, Calif., site.

TI partnered with the Greene Scholars Program to offer the annual, hands-on learning event to create excitement about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among the high-achieving 8- to 14-year-old scholars.

Throughout the week, the students worked directly with a team of TI engineers who volunteered their time and ideas for activities that explored innovation, technology and sports science.

In this collaborative team environment, these young scholars were encouraged to conceptualize and develop their own innovative projects, and, at week's end, present a product idea based on what they learned.

Hands-on activities, including testing pedometers and examining sport-related products helped demonstrate concepts learned about innovation and product development.

In addition to the interactive workshops, the students participated in a "sports science challenge" at the company's fitness center and interacted over lunch with the TI engineers.

"Supporting quality STEM education is a top priority for TI, because we know that most students need solid math and science skills for their future career success," said Dave Heacock, senior vice president and manager of TI's Silicon Valley Analog.

"We're thrilled to host these talented students from the Greene Scholars Program and hope to fuel interest in science and engineering in what may well be our next generation of innovators."

Employees at the Santa Clara site have partnered with the Greene scholars Program for more than a decade. This year, the planning team incorporated a sports science theme into the Summer Science Institute experience.

Dave said: "TI is pleased to host these talented young scholars, and TI will continue engaging with organizations like The Greene Scholars Program that help spark interest in science and engineering, especially among minorities and women who've traditionally been underrepresented in careers involving the STEM fields."

"Students are fascinated by science and innovation when they can actively participate in discovery. Throughout the week, our students examined several relevant physical, biological and mathematical principles associated with sports," said Gloria Whitaker-Daniels, program director of the Greene Scholars Program.

"This unique opportunity for our children to work alongside TI's best and brightest engineers will not only motivate and challenge scholars, but will also deepen their understanding in how advancements in science and technology are relevant in sports."

To be selected as a Frank Greene Scholars, students apply, demonstrating interest and aptitude for STEM. Scholars and their parents participate in monthly meetings and year-round educational sessions that focus on STEM enrichment, character development, academic planning, and college and career planning.

A student takes off during a sports science challenge at TI.

About The Dr. Frank S. Greene Scholars Program

The Dr. Frank S. Greene Scholars Program is sponsored by the California Alliance of African American Educators and is a long-term initiative that promotes the development of a community of college-bound Scholars focused on extending their academic gifts in science and math.

The program's purpose is to increase the number of African-American youth choosing STEM career paths through high school, college and into their professional lives. Additional information is available at www.greenescholars.org.