OVERVIEW
View a brief overview video of the ISP
MISSION
The Mission of the Incubator Scientists Program is to identify African American students to promote and increase their opportunities for success in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Incubator Scientists Program is to encourage students to pursue college and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM); instill in students the idea that science is a process of inquiry and problem solving; provide students with a sufficient working knowledge of science; and be able to deal effectively with the critical technological issues that confront society today. In addition, the program seeks to develop student attitudes of curiosity, wonderment, and involvement with phenomena in their natural environment. It also strives to develop an appreciation for the contributions of science to daily living, and to develop values and inclinations toward solving problems in a scientific manner.
The primary focus is nurturing, motivating, encouraging and challenging inner-city students to prepare for science and mathematics-based careers. The program was designed to encourage and motivate students through challenging experiences conducted in an intensively caring environment. Placing the student's human, a social and learning need in the same plan, the program, for some students, provides "the reason" for school persistence and success in academic work. Completion of science fair projects and research presentations provide students with validation and personal power, as well as authority in science and mathematics. The benefits of doing independent science research projects develop self-confidence, critical thinking skills, and enhance organizational skills. These accomplishments can be shown how being "turned on" to science can pay off. Rewards provided at the school building level help students assign value to "doing science." Through school-based components that facilitate whole school involvement in science fairs, awards ceremonies and programs, a culture for science can be established even in school where students face resource in adequacies, which are common in urban city schools.
