USRA, Baltimore City Public Schools to Expand Science and Technology Career Development Program

The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) in partnership with the Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) has announced plans to expand the successful Baltimore Aerospace Scholars Program to 3 city High Schools for the 2008-2009 academic year. The Baltimore Aerospace Scholars Program is designed to raise awareness among Baltimore City high school students about aerospace and space science career opportunities and to encourage students onto scientific and technical career paths. Initially implemented at Baltimore's Maritime Industries Academy during the 2007-2008 school year, the program is being expanded this year to include Patterson and Northwestern High Schools. This expansion will enable the program to reach more than 300 students across the city of Baltimore.

Funded by USRA and carried out in full partnership with the City Schools, the Baltimore Aerospace Scholars Program provides a range of career development activities for participating students. Activities provided under this program include internships at local research facilities and research firms, lecture / demonstrations by scientists and technicians involved in aerospace efforts, site visits to local facilities, and funding for student attendance at selected professional conferences. The program also provides professional development opportunities for educators and counselors in activities that include professional round tables and sponsored conference attendance. 'The Baltimore Aerospace Scholars Program is an outstanding expression of USRA's fundamental mission to promote aerospace education and workforce development,' said Dr. Frederick A. Tarantino, USRA President and CEO, 'We are proud to support the aspirations of the bright and enthusiastic young people in this program.'

The Universities Space Research Association, established in 1969 by the National Academy of Sciences, is a private, nonprofit consortium of 102 universities offering advanced degrees in space- and aeronautics-related disciplines. USRA's mission is to conduct leading-edge research, develop innovative technologies, promote education and policy across the breadth of space science, and operate premier science and technology facilities by involving universities, private industry and government.

One of the most historic public school districts in the US, the Baltimore City Public Schools have served the youth of the city of Baltimore for close to 180 years. The Baltimore City Public Schools today comprise dozens of public elementary, middle and high schools in Baltimore City, with the largest school in physical size being Lake Clifton Eastern High School. The City Schools are home to the oldest all girls public high school in the US (Western High School) as well as to the third oldest high school in the US (Baltimore City College).