For Middle School Students
Wanted: Area middle school students who want to prepare and challenge their minds as they explore the incredible connections between science, technology, nature and man in an interactive learning community.
MSI: Richmond is a rigorous academic enrichment program designed to increase the interest, knowledge and performance levels of middle school students from the city of Richmond in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology courses and careers. This innovative program allows students to work closely with teachers, administrators, professionals, parents, university faculty and staff, and peers who share the same interest.
The program consists of:
• A yearlong academic mentoring program based in the students' middle schools
• A five-week summer session held on the Richmond campus in which students pursue courses in math, science, content literacy and research
Academic Mentoring
The MSI: Richmond Mentoring program matches 8th- and 9th-grade students from Richmond Public Schools with university students who will be their mentors. This partnership consists of 30 "contact hours" between the end of October and the first of April. The students meet their mentors at one of the base schools for ten three-hour sessions and sign a promise to maintain their grades. The students' parents also make a commitment to support their child's participation in the program.
Summer Session Highlights
• State-of-the-art science facilities on the UR campus
• Small class size (12-14)
• Nine enrichment courses
• Emphasis on developing scientific process skills, especially research
• Students learn how to become more efficient learners
• Sessions on careers in science and mathematics
• Professional role models in the fields
• Strong parent and community involvement
• Field trips and some nontraditional activities designed to develop the whole individual
To apply
New applications are distributed to middle school counselors during the last week of February and should be returned by the end of March. Notifications of acceptance will be sent out by the end of April.
For more information
Contact the MSI director.