Benedict College/Friendship Baptist Church
Science Academy Program

 

The Benedict College/Friendship Baptist Church Science Academy Program is coordinated through the efforts of Benedict College, Friendship Baptist Church (Aiken, SC), and various private and community partners.

The mission of the program is to provide opportunities for elementary, middle school, and high school students to become familiar with a wide range of science-based career options including mathematics and computer technology through field trips (attendance at science and math related conferences), hands-on science math, and computer-based research projects.

The purpose of the program is to motivate, develop self-confidence, independence, and a sense of responsibility so that they will become eager and willing to learn. Then, student participants will be productive contributors to society. The program has included participants sponsored by church-based communities from Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Michigan, and North Carolina.

The program consists of four parts. A Two-Week Residential Summer Science Academy (RSSA), is conducted on the campus of Benedict College in June where students 9th through 12th grade come to learn science, math, and computer technology through intensive scientific reading and writing, laboratory projects, test-taking skills, oral communication, and lifelong learning skills. The cost per student for the two-weeks is $300.

The second component, The Saturday Science Academy (SSA), is conducted during the fall and spring academic year. Students from the two-week RSSA continue to follow-up on their laboratory projects on campus, and are involved in distance learning activities between Benedict College and the seven station computer lab housed in the N.L. Bush Education Center (located on the property of Friendship Baptist Church) in Aiken, SC. Field trips to science conferences, medical schools and other academic events and facilities are also part of the fall/spring SSA activities.

The third component, The Six-Week Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), is conducted at the N.L. Bush Education Center in Aiken. Sixth through twelfth graders (approximately 200) are involved in math, science, oral communication, computer literacy, personal development skills, and field trip activities. A minimal fee for the use of the computer lab is required. Contact Mrs. Lucinda Parks-Kenner, Site Coordinator, (803-648-5731) for further information.

The fourth component, an After School Tutorial Program (ASTP), is conducted at the N.L. Bush Education Center in Aiken. The tutorial program is enhanced by the availability of a seven-station computer lab, educational supplies, and counseling services. The ASTP is conducted through the academic year. Contact Mrs. Kenner about the details.

Program participants published their first newsletter, "The BC Connection", in 1997. Participants are tracked on a continuous base in order to determine the impact of participating in the program on their future development. The long-term goal is to encourage participants to pursue science, math, and technology as career choices.

The program has received both state (channel 12 in Augusta, GA) and national (CNN Television) media coverage as a model program that involves the community, parents, church, industry, and higher education as partners.

 

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

Annual Pre-Summer Workshops are held at Friendship Baptist Church in Aiken, SC.  Mrs. Lucinda Parks-Kenner, Dr. Larry L. Lowe, and Staff from the various administrative offices from Benedict College (Office of Personnel Services, Housing, Business Affairs, etc.) were present to provide information and answer questions from parents, student participants, and other members of the community.

Student who participates in the Two-Week Residential Summer Science Academy Program attended the annual SCJAC/SCAC meetings and other field trip activities during the year.

The total tuition cost for the two-week program is $300.00 per participant (grades 9th - 12th).

The two-week program is strictly academic, including: research-based projects in biotechnology, chemistry, physics, computer technology, and mathematics (including the use of the TI-83 graphing calculator and calculator-based labs).

Scientific reading, scientific writing, and oral communications are taught as integrated components of the program.

Oral presentations made by the participants are held as part of the closing summer program activities.

Field trips and recreational activities are also included as part of the two-week program.

Contact Dr. Larry L. Lowe at my e-mail address: lowe@microbyte.net 

Work Telephone: (803) 253-5265, or

Fax: (803) 253-5336

Applications may be downloaded from the web site (under applications), completed and returned to Mrs. Kenner, Site Coordinator (Aiken).