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Connecticut College launches Science Leaders Program for underrepresented students

December 18, 2007

Connecticut College has launched a new program to increase the number of women and minority students graduating from the college with a degree and research experience in the sciences.

The program, funded by a National Science Foundation grant, will prepare these students for a wide range of science-related careers and provide a solid foundation for graduate study or medical school. Chemistry Professor Marc Zimmer, who was recently named the 2007 Connecticut Professor of the Year, will lead the program.

"Connecticut College offers a comprehensive science education - our students go on to be world-class researchers, doctors and academics," Dean of the Faculty Roger Brooks said. "We´re delighted to be able to offer these opportunities to more students from underrepresented groups."

The Science Leaders Program is designed to foster a passion for science through applied research and close association with faculty and other science students and prepare students for careers in the sciences through close faculty mentoring, hands-on research and internship opportunities. Students enrolled in the program will receive enhanced scholarships, additional mentoring and support, career preparation and counseling and assistance applying to graduate and medical school. They will also complete an intensive first-year seminar with other Science Leaders.

As part of the program, faculty and students will work to increase interest in science among high school students by team teaching at partnership high schools, presenting at science summer camps and volunteering through new and existing community outreach programs at local schools.

All prospective science majors at Connecticut College who are U.S. citizens and who qualify for need-based financial aid will be eligible for the program, but admission priority will be given to women, students of color, first-generation college students and students who are economically disadvantaged.

For more information, visit: www.conncoll.edu/academics/factsheets/NSF.pdf.

For more information contact: Amy Sullivan (860) 439-2526; amy.sullivan@conncoll.edu