Source: Susan Arnold Christian, 785-532-6152, susanac@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Mary Rankin, 785-532-6715, mrankin@k-state.edu
Monday, March 16, 2009
K-STATE RECEIVES GRANT FROM BNSF RAILWAY TO FUND WORKSHOPS FOR KANSAS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
MANHATTAN -- BNSF Railway is partnering with Kansas State University to promote hands-on learning experiences for Kansas high school students.
The BNSF Foundation and K-State Outreach Partnership will fund science and engineering workshops across the state. BNSF's support of more than $55,000 will deliver programs for male and female high school students.
The first event, "Green Tracks," is a daylong workshop where K-State science and engineering students will lead small groups through activities that demonstrate how scientists and engineers at BNSF work to protect the environment. It will be offered in all-boy, all-girl and mixed sessions this spring in Dodge City, Topeka, Kansas City, Kan., and Kansas City, Mo.
"Our partnership with K-State allows BNSF to invest in the communities where we live and work," said Carl Ice, executive vice president and chief operations officer at BNSF. "These workshops will provide students with an opportunity to learn first-hand how engineers and scientists contribute to railroads being the most environmentally friendly form of land transportation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving fuel economy and helping relieve traffic congestion."
The events will be coordinated by K-State's EXCITE! program, which is designed for students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields and prepare for college through a year-round program that offers ninth through 12th graders opportunities on and off the K-State campus. EXCITE! is a part of the Women in Engineering and Science Program, also known as WESP, at K-State.
"We are very excited to partner with BNSF in this undertaking that will promote further study in the sciences and engineering for Kansas high school students," said Kimberly Douglas-Mankin, WESP director at K-State. "The 'Green Tracks' workshop, with its emphasis on environmental accountability, is a relevant and timely topic for today's high school students. It is an excellent opportunity for the students to learn about how engineers and scientists help protect and preserve the environment."
Registration for all locations of the workshop will be handled through K-State by contacting Susan Arnold Christian, EXCITE! program coordinator, at 785-532-3395 or susanac@k-state.edu. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, but there will be a waiting list after each event is full, and substitutions will be made if cancellations occur. Need-based scholarships are available as well as are funds for transportation.
