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Local High School Students Earn College Credits at Bowie State University

(Bowie, Md.) - Nearly 70 high school students from Prince George's County are at Bowie State University for a six-week program earning college-level credit for various science undergraduate courses at no cost. Exclusively for Prince George's County high school students, the three-year Pre-College Science Scholars Program is designed to increase the number of underrepresented groups in science and science teaching.

"Through this program, I will have earned eight college credits to transfer after I graduate high school," said Taisha Bowman, a senior at Oxon Hill High School in the Science and Technology Program. "I will have a total of 20 credits before I start college through other programs I've participated in supported by the same grant." Taisha plans to study cognitive neuroscience and secondary education in college with hopes of one day establishing a neuroscience course for area high schools.

Students enter the Pre-College Science Scholars Academy during their sophomore year of high school and continue through their senior year. Courses in chemistry, biology, English, mathematics and college skills are offered. Students, like Taisha, who complete all three years of the program accumulate eight college credits.

"This is my third year in the program and I have been able to earn college credits without having to worry about finances, giving me a jumpstart for college," said Nadjia Motley, a senior at Oxon Hill High School. "I really like being challenged and this program showed me what a college course is like. After class, I go home and study independently in order to keep up with the material. The classes in the program really prepare you for how to handle a college-level course." Nadjia says she plans to study microbiology or agricultural engineering after she graduates next year.

As a result of a Minority Student Pipeline Math Science Partnership (MSP2) grant funded by the National Science Foundation, this program is available at no cost to students in Prince George's County Public Schools. For admission to the program, applicants must apply online at www.pgcps.org and submit an essay and letters of recommendation.

"Bowie State University offers this outstanding opportunity for our local high school students to take classes that will assist in preparing them for college," stated Dr. Anisha Campbell, assistant professor in the Department of Natural Sciences at Bowie State University. "The goal of the program is to increase the number of underrepresented students, specifically in Prince George's County, who major in science fields. We believe we are really impacting the lives of these students and guiding them on a path to success." Dr. Campbell and Dr. Elaine Davis, chair of the Department of Natural Sciences, conduct the Pre-College Science Scholars program.

As part of the program, students live on campus during the week and participate in various relationship- and skill-building activities. Students learn about the college experience including how to navigate the campus and effectively prepare and study for college-level courses. The program runs through July 28, 2011. Students participating in this year's program represent schools throughout the county such as Bowie, Charles Herbert Flowers, Largo and Suitland high schools.

Through the same MSP2 grant, Bowie State University has also hosted the Future STEM Scholars Program for students entering grades six through eight, a two-week program providing students with exposure and experience in science and math in a college setting. The 2011 program runs through July 15, 2011.

Meagan Johnson, a Bowie State University undergraduate student majoring in communications, was a contributing writer for this press release.

ABOUT BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds who seek a high quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The University places special emphasis on the science, technology, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit the website at www.bowiestate.edu.

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