Mayor Menino, Senator Kennedy headline launch of United Way Math, Science, Technology after-school effort

BOSTON -- Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Cambridge Mayor Michael A. Sullivan, and the top executives at Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research and EPIX Pharmaceuticals joined United Way of Massachusetts Bay today as it announced the launch of its Math, Science & Technology after-school effort in Boston, Quincy and Lynn. Renowned MIT professor, scientist and inventor Dr. Robert S. Langer also addressed United Way’s “Dream in Science, Phase II” event, which drew 200 professionals from the life science and supporting industries.

Over the past year, science industry companies and employees have raised $1 million for United Way of Massachusetts Bay to invest in a partnership to foster a lifelong curiosity in the sciences and prepare young people for rewarding careers in math, science and technology-related fields. Funds have supported the pilot phase of the project in Cambridge and Somerville and will support expansion plans in Boston, Lynn, Quincy, Randolph, Weymouth and ultimately, statewide.

“Innovation and discovery begins with a passion for science,” said Milton J. Little, Jr., president and chief executive officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay. “Through this effort, we want to open hearts and minds to science at a young age. It is our collective responsibility – especially in a region where science is a driving economic force – to show young people that scientific careers are realistic options.”

United Way’s Math, Science, & Technology initiative was launched as a pilot effort in 2004 at three after-school sites serving 50 youth in grades 4-8 in Cambridge and Somerville. Partners in the pilot effort were East End House and Cambridge Community Center, both in Cambridge, and Elizabeth Peabody House in Somerville. UWMB’s expansion plans call for the effort to serve 300 kids by the year 2006 and to have a statewide presence for grades 4-12 by 2008.

“While time spent in the classroom is vital, learning should continue into the hours after school with more opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom,” Mayor Thomas M. Menino said. “I am thrilled United Way and its partners are making this type of learning, especially in the critical areas of science and technology, possible for students in our city.”

“The world-class universities, research facilities and life science companies of the Boston area are the envy of the nation,” said U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy. “Developing math, science and technical skills of our young people will keep Massachusetts at the cutting edge of discovery, innovation, jobs and economic growth in this rapidly changing era of globalization.”

The curriculum was developed in partnership with TERC, a Cambridge based, nationally renowned leader in science and math education. The after-school curriculum includes experimentation and demonstrations and emphasizes hands-on learning. It's combined with museum visits, interaction with industry professionals and career exploration into science-related industries.

“To remain a robust, technology-rich state and an international leader in scientific discovery and healthcare delivery, first we need to encourage kids to become and remain excited about science,” said Michael D. Webb, chief executive officer at EPIX Pharmaceuticals and the chair of United Way’s Math, Science and Technology Initiative Advisory Board. “It is crucial that we provide opportunities so that the next generation will be able to further advance these fields.”

Key funders of this initiative include EPIX Pharmaceuticals, Alexandria Real Estate, Houghton Mifflin, WR Grace & Company, Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo P.C., Nixon Peabody LLP, KeySpan, Abbott Laboratories/Medisense Products, BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts, Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Palmer & Dodge LLP, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Merck Research Laboratories, New England Healthcare Institute and Thermo Electron Corporation. Today’s event is underwritten by Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research.