Houston students to mark 15th anniversary of first African-American to walk in space learning from the man himself
Dr. Bernard Harris
Dr. Harris will celebrate the 15th anniversary of his historic space walk, and Black History Month, with students from HISD’s Rusk Science and Technology School Tuesday while telling them of an amazing opportunity to attend summer science camp for free.
Students will learn about the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps being hosted in 30 universities across the country this summer at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 9, at the Hyatt Hotel downtown at 1200 Louisiana St., 77002.
Dr. Harris overcame adversity and humble beginnings to achieve success as a physician and astronaut. As Mission Payload Commander of the space shuttle Columbia, STS-63, he became the first African-American to walk in space.
“Much in my life has changed since that historic day, but one constant is my passion to make a difference with today’s students, especially kids who have similar backgrounds to mine,” Harris said as he prepares to work with Houston children. “This year’s summer science camps will give students a chance to learn about mathematics and science, more about themselves and about life on a college campus. Most importantly, campers learn that they have the power to achieve their dreams whatever they may be.”
The ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp program is the largest of its kind in the nation and offers a two-week, free-of-charge experience. Students typically come from urban school districts around the country and are recommended by their teachers based on leadership skills and science and mathematics aptitude.
“ExxonMobil shares Dr. Harris’s passion for math and science education,” said Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and chief executive officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation. “These camps help students explore beyond their horizons to encourage a life-long love of math and science and a better future.”
At camp, students attend daily classes in the natural sciences, engineering, mathematics and technology, taught by faculty of participating universities and secondary classroom teachers, who receive professional development training.. Activities include classroom study, experiments, individual, team and group projects, weekly field excursions and motivational guest speakers.
More information about student eligibility and selection criteria can be found at the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp Web site: www.theharrisfoundation.org.
