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Youth

Purdue University Focuses on STEM Education and Community Development at 45th Annual Indiana Black Expo

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Purdue University is highlighting its focus on STEM education and community development at the 45th annual Summer Celebration of the Indiana Black Expo, taking place from July 9 to 19 in Indianapolis. The university has set up an exhibit and is sponsoring the Youth Leadership Summit, a three-day event aimed at empowering young people to focus on their academic, personal, and community service goals, while developing leadership skills. The summit encourages youth to think about college readiness and the pursuit of higher education, with a goal of assisting them in developing leadership skills to improve their communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Purdue University is opening a STEM-focused charter school, Purdue Polytechnic Indianapolis High School, in August 2017, designed to provide a bridge for inner-city students and others to succeed in high school and be admitted directly to Purdue University.
  • The high school curriculum will be developed by Purdue faculty and industry members to serve as a pipeline to the institute, aiming to provide a seamless transition for students into undergraduate study programs.
  • The university plans to expand the school to cities where Purdue has statewide polytechnic sites, offering more opportunities for students in underserved communities.
  • Purdue's colleges and schools will have booths at the exhibition, featuring interactive educational activities, program information, and admission requirements, along with the Admissions Office and the Purdue Police Department.
  • The Youth Leadership Summit, sponsored by Purdue, targets youth aged 11-18, with a focus on developing leadership skills, academic, personal, and community service goals, and encouraging college readiness.
  • The summit includes breakout sessions, speed networking, and other interactive activities, featuring Purdue faculty, alumni, and representatives from Purdue's colleges and schools.
  • The Indiana Black Expo has awarded over $2 million in scholarships to more than 2,000 Indiana students since 1984, demonstrating the organization's commitment to education and community development.

Statistics:

  • 300,000+ attendees annually
  • 2,000+ Indiana students have received scholarships since 1984
  • $2 million+ in scholarships awarded since 1984
  • 27 undergraduate research scholars will assist and mentor high school student participants
  • 10-minute presentations by faculty will be used to solve a problem during the STEM-themed session
  • 3,000+ alumni and representatives will participate in the Speed Networking Session

Sources:

  • Purdue University News Release: Science and Technology (July 14, 2015)
  • Indiana Black Expo: Summer Celebration (July 9-19, 2015)
  • Purdue Polytechnic Indianapolis High School: Press Release (June 2015)

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