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.

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.

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.

1. Developed a video entitled, "The New ABCs: Preparing Black Children for the 21st Century", in conjunction with the National Urban Coalition;
2. Convened a national working conference in 1989, attended by over one hundred scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, and administrators;
3. Developed a S.M.A.R.T. Ten Year Plan for use by the S.M.A.R.T. Team (Members, Affiliates, and Associates);
4. Conducted technical workshops for youth and teachers, which feature scientists and engineers, at the National Air And Space Museum on Saturdays;
5. Established the S.M.A.R.T. Technology Learning Center with classes and workshops for K-12 students, teachers, and parents;
6. Provided staff development classes for teachers;
7. Managed the Moonlink Program in the D.C. schools;
8. Published quarterly newsletters;
9. Producted the S.M.A.R.T. Halloween Science and Technology Fair©; and
10. Hosted the NASA webcast for the last total solar eclipse of the millennium and the first total solar eclipse of the new millennium.
11. 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.
12. 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.

• 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Science, Mathematics, Aerospace, Research, and Technology (S.M.A.R.T.), Inc.
P.O. Box 70871
Washington, D.C. 20024