NSBE - Fall 2009 - 24

SEEK 2009 ‘A Great Program!’ Speaking of SEEK “My son enjoyed the SEEK program. He already said he wanted to be a scientist before the program, but he now wants to consider engineering…. The program inspired him to try the experiments at home and share what he learned with family and friends. Thank you for providing him with this fun learning opportunity. SEEK made an impression on his life.” — Monica Drew “My granddaughter has participated in the SEEK program for three years. She looks forward to attending each summer, and she has never missed a day. She has expressed a strong desire to become an engineer, even choosing her potential employer, Lockheed Martin…. SEEK is a wonderful program, and my family and granddaughter would like to thank NSBE for investing in our children, for they are our future.” — Odessa Chapman “My husband and I were thoroughly pleased with the SEEK program this year. Our son is a rising fourth grader, and this was his first year in the program. It was definitely a success for him. He came home each day excited and talking nonstop about the things he made and learned in class. Also, we were very impressed with the new vocabulary he used when explaining to us what he was doing in class. And as an added bonus, he has now added engineer to the list of things he wants to be when he grows up!” — Keith & Kimberly Byrd “My daughter attended the SEEK Program, and she enjoyed it! She is still reciting the mission statement that she learned by heart. In just the three weeks, I noticed improvements in her confidence, and she seemed to be much sharper in her thinking…. Thank you so much for including my child in this great program!” — Darlette Gayle www.nsbe.org T he scarcity of black students in engineering is a big problem in the U.S. And to solve big problems, one must think big. So says NSBE Executive Director Carl B. Mack (“Brother E.D.”), as he explains NSBE’s goals for its annual Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK) Camp. SEEK marked its third year in July with three-week programs for elementary school students in Washington, D.C., and middle school students in Columbus, Ohio. SEEK is a hands-on engineering design program designed to hook students on the subject matter early, in the third grade, and keep them moving toward science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers through their senior year of high school. SEEK uses a curriculum created by SAE International — the Society of Automotive Engineers. Called “A World in Motion,” the program has teams of students design and build small vehicles and put them into competition against those built by other teams, as the students learn and use basic science and engineering concepts. The campers are guided by NSBE collegiate members — “SEEK mentors” — from across the U.S. and beyond. The other partners with NSBE in the third annual SEEK were General Electric Company, Motorola Foundation, Pitney Bowes Inc., Friendship Public Charter Schools and founding sponsor Battelle. “We are extremely grateful that these organizations stepped up to support SEEK in this down economy,” says Mack. “This speaks volumes about their commitment to our community and the vital importance of NSBE’s mission.” ■ nsbe magazine 24 • • fall 2009

NSBE - Fall 2009

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