Wednesday, August 15, 2018

UNCW Watson College of Education’s Junior Seahawk Academy has been recognized for its efforts to boost interest in STEM careers among underrepresented populations.

The program is the recipient of the 2018 "Inspiring Programs in STEM" award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. The award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through mentoring, teaching, research and initiatives. The Junior Seahawk Academy, founded in 2005, develops interests in STEM, health and education careers among middle-grade students.

“Junior Seahawk Academy is committed to increasing students’ interests in STEM education,” said Watson College associate professor Angelia Reid-Griffin, who leads the program. “The structured STEM experiences, supportive environment and individualized mentoring help students to extend cognitive skills and gain confidence in their academic abilities, which is important for middle-level learners. I am happy that the program’s efforts to promote STEM education for youth is being recognized on a national level.”

In 2015, Reid-Griffin was among the women selected for INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s “100 Inspiring Women in STEM” award.

UNCW will be featured, along with 77 other recipients, in the September 2018 issue of INSIGHT Into Diversity.

“We know that many STEM programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication and mentorship for underrepresented students,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity. “We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”

-- Venita Jenkins
#WCE

Students build solar ovens from cardboard, aluminum foil
and plastic wrap at the Junior Seahawk Academy.