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What Is S.M.A.R.T.? |
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Science, Mathematics, Aerospace, Research, and Technology
(S.M.A.R.T.), Inc.
began as the Science and Technology Interface Group for the National Black
Leadership Roundtable (NBLR). It was initiated
by Congressman Mervyn Dymally in 1985 (when he chaired the Congressional Science
and Technology Subcommittee) to identify the most important science/technology
related issues affecting African Americans.
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S.M.A.R.T. was formed for the purpose of bringing together representatives of
the scientific and professional communities to address the problem of the under-
representation of African Americans in science and technology in preparation for
the 21st Century |
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Mission Statement |
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Our mission is to facilitate the teaching, understanding, and application of
science, mathematics, engineering, and technology in the African American
community In order to:
- Increase the number of African Americans acquiring the necessary skills,
training, and education to enter careers in science, mathematics,
engineering, technology, and science/mathematics education (only about 3% of
the nation's scientists and engineers are African American);
- Encourage the establishment and expansion of African American businesses
in the high technology fields; and
- Develop a higher level of science, mathematics, and technology literacy
among African American citizens, regardless of occupation.
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The rationale behind this goal is that mathematics, science, and technology
are becoming increasingly important to nearly all occupations in our society
today, and to our competitiveness as a nation in the world economy. Although
African Americans constitute more than 10% of the work force, they constitute
only about 3% of the science and engineering workforce. It is very Important
that we bring the level of African American participation in science and
technology to a level at least consistent with our percentage of the American
population. |
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S.M.A.R.T Accomplishments |
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- Developed a video entitled, "The New ABCs: Preparing Black
Children for the 21st Century", in conjunction with the National
Urban Coalition;
- Convened a national working conference in 1989, attended by over one
hundred scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, and administrators;
- Developed a S.M.A.R.T. Ten Year Plan for use by the S.M.A.R.T. Team
(Members, Affiliates, and Associates);
- Conducted technical workshops for youth and teachers, which feature
scientists and engineers, at the National Air And Space Museum on Saturdays;
- Established the S.M.A.R.T. Technology Learning Center with classes and
workshops for K-12 students, teachers, and parents;
- Provided staff development classes for teachers;
- Managed the Moonlink Program in the D.C. schools;
- Published quarterly newsletters;
- Producted the S.M.A.R.T. Halloween Science and Technology FairĀ©; and
- Hosted the NASA webcast for the last total
solar eclipse of the millennium and the first total solar eclipse of the
new millennium.
- S.M.A.R.T., in collaboration
with Howard University's Department of Physics and Astronomy, hosted
evening programs the week of August 25-29, 2003 at Howard's Locke
Hall Observatory, for viewing of the planet Mars,
which (on August 27) made its closest approach to Earth in about 60,000
years. The program also included presentations by S.M.A.R.T. members
and
invited speakers, on topics concerning Mars and related space missions.
- S.M.A.R.T., in collaboration
with the DC Space Grant Consortium and
Howard University's Department of Physics and Astronomy, is
implementing a
new 2-semester course in Earth and Space Physical Science, offered at
Howard
University. This course is intended for students majoring in science,
engineering, or education, and a summer session is planned for
in-service
pre-college science teachers.
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S.M.A.R.T. Objectives |
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- To increase the number of African Americans acquiring the necessary
skills, training, and education to enter the careers in mathematics,
engineering, technology, and science/ mathematics education, from preschool
through post-graduate level.
- To establish a training program for prospective African American business
men and women that will explore the different scientific directions new
enterprises could successfully take. To create an on-going science and
technology literacy campaign for the African American population.
- To develop a national and international network of organizations that
through partnerships increases resources, information and career
opportunities in science and technology for African Americans.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT
Science, Mathematics,
Aerospace, Research, and Technology (S.M.A.R.T.), Inc.
P.O. Box 70871
Washington, D.C. 20024
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