The Texas Alliance for Minorities in Engineering (TAME) is pleased to announce that the Tocker Foundation has generously awarded $50,000 to drive summer learning for Texas students in science, technology, engineering, and math.
The funding will make it possible for TAME’s Trailblazer science-on-wheels program to travel to small and rural libraries across Texas this summer. TAME received a record-breaking number of applications for the 2017 Science Rocks! Summer Library Program: exactly 100 libraries applied to receive a visit from the Trailblazer museum.
Students exploring the Trailblazer learn about high school academic endorsements, STEM careers and pay scales. They are also connected to next-step opportunities like after-school STEM clubs, STEM summer camps, and divisional and statewide TAME STEM competitions.
“In a rural community this was such a major event,” said Nell Langford, Branch Manager of the Mt. Enterprise Library in East Texas. The Mt. Enterprise Library participated in the Science Rocks! Summer Library Program in June of 2016. In a town of less than 500 citizens, the library estimated that over 125 people toured the mobile museum, which was staffed by local volunteers that included two teachers, a college student from Stephen F. Austin State University, a librarian, and a retired pharmacist. Volunteers receive training to help students connect with the exhibits and possible STEM career opportunities.
“Making science fun and hands-on does so much for getting those essential STEM concepts across,” said Langford. “The Trailblazer is another way to give families an opportunity to spend quality time together and I know the adults thought it was as cool as the kids did.”
TAME is grateful to the Tocker Foundation for making a difference in the lives of students, their families, and whole communities, helping TAME to build a workforce that looks like Texas.
Join the Tocker Foundation in making a difference. Visit our Get Involved page to see how you can help make sure TAME programs stay free for all Texas students.