Press release:
This fall, ACE Programs of Genesee Community College welcomed its first cohort of Math Science Preparatory Students to campus. Area seventh-graders who have demonstrated high potential in math and science, participated in weekly classroom and lab experiences, visited the Formula SAE club at RIT, and will conclude the fall semester with a fun, on-location experiment with potential and kinetic energy while enjoying a game of bowling.
Due to the interest expressed in this program, ACE Programs is pleased to announce the expansion of openings available to students demonstrating early signs of high potential in math and science from 48 students to 72. Requests for nominations have been sent to all area school districts, and applications will be accepted from both current sixth- and seventh-grade students.
Although there are many gifted and talented students who would benefit from this type of preparatory instruction, ACE has raised the minimum requirements for nominations to ensure the highest level of success experienced by each student.
All applicants must be nominated by a math or science teacher and approved by a school counselor or principal.
Nominations must be submitted by Jan. 7. Students will be invited to complete the application process after review of the nomination. The application deadline is March 29. Those accepted into the program will be notified by May 1 and activities will begin during the summer of 2013.
The Math Science Preparatory program for students in seventh and eighth grade is taught by full-time GCC math and science faculty and expands upon the NYS math and science standards with content designed to prepare students for the academic rigor of college-level science and mathematics.
Students who successfully complete the two-year program will be eligible to participate in the Accelerated College Enrollment STEM Enrichment Program at Genesee Community College, including the expanded option to complete either an Associate (AS) Degree in Engineering Sciences or an Associate (AS) Degree in Math/Science with a focus on either Chemistry or Biology within months of high school graduation.
Participating in any of the ACE Programs allows students to gain transferable college credit at a greatly reduced tuition rate (one-third the regular in-state tuition charged by GCC). While ACE programs have always provided opportunities for exceptionally motivated students to achieve enough college credits to potentially earn an associate degree, the STEM enrichment program will be the first opportunity for high school students to pursue specific AS degrees through GCC. The goal of the preparatory program is to provide students with the opportunity to prepare for successful participation in this accelerated course of study.
While ACE Programs office has shared this information with all area middle schools and many have begun submitting nominations, interested parents and students are encouraged to contact the ACE Programs office or their school counselor for more information. Additionally, GCC will award one-year scholarships to two sixth-grade students through the second annual GCC sixth grade Math/Science Scholar awards.
For more information contact: Karlyn M. Finucane, program specialist, ACE Programs at 343-0055, ext. 6320, or e-mail kmfinucane@genesee.edu.
