Science Education
Engaging children in science has been a
focus of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund since it became an independent,
private foundation in 1994. We are convinced that all children, regardless
of their future career path, need basic science literacy to participate
fully in civic life. We believe that the best method for achieving
the goal of science literacy is to get students involved in the scientific
process and let them do what comes naturally: ask questions and participate
in hands-on activities and experiments that convey basic scientific
principles.
The Student
Science Enrichment Program provides more than $3 million annually
to support creative science education activities for primary and secondary students in North Carolina.
BWF has partnered with various organizations to develop an infrastructure
for improving science, mathematics, and technology education across
North Carolina. The institutions
that have emerged from these partnerships are making an impact on
public policy, teacher training, the informal science community,
and scientists working with teachers.
In addition, BWF has increased its commitment to science education
by creating the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology
Education Center. This non-profit organization serves as a catalyst
and facilitator to create an integrated plan to systematically improve
the performance of North Carolina secondary school students in science,
mathematics, and technology education.
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N.
C. Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center