The GE Foundation's Math Excellence Program Grant, given to UH's College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM), is designed to support the creation of a "math and technology pipeline" at the middle and high school levels that engages teachers, as well as women and minority students from the greater Houston metropolitan area in professional development and service learning activities. Targeting underserved communities, the program is designed to strengthen and expand mathematics skills and technological self-efficacy of both teachers and students, while encouraging students' pursuit of such study.

"We're honored to be one of only 32 universities in the U.S. receiving this type of grant from the GE Foundation," said John Bear, dean of UH's College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. "This is the first partnership of its kind in Texas and is a natural fit, given our commitment to community outreach and the diversity of our student base."

Richard Stewart, vice president of GE Energy, said, "We look forward to working closely with the education community to make this program a true success story. The support from the GE Foundation will enable GE volunteers, University professionals and faculty and staff from Houston ISD schools to effectively partner to create a much-needed mathematics and technology pipeline in Houston."

In partnership with Ross Shaw Sterling High School and Thomas Middle School (a feeder school for Sterling) in HISD, NSM's Department of Mathematics is working with Sterling's executive principal, Daisy Maura, to develop outreach programs. With the support of GE volunteers and other organizations, this program is designed to foster increased int
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Contact: Lisa Merkl
lkmerkl@uh.edu
713-743-8192
University of Houston
14-Apr-2004