e-Newsletter: July 2008
SMASH Scholars Complete 5-weeks of STEM Courses at UC Berkeley
For the past five weeks, 92 high school students resided on the UC Berkeley campus, enrolled in LPFI's hand-crafted courses in math, science, and technology. This was LPFI's fifth year producing the Summer Math and Science Honors (SMASH) Academy for high achieving, low-income students of color in the Bay Area.
For many of our scholars, it was their first time away from home, their first time on a college campus, and their first time experiencing math and science in a hands-on, rigorous environment. For others, this was their second or third summer as SMASH Scholars, and they were able to take elective courses such as “College Admissions” and “Topics in Current Science Research.” For all, it was an enriching experience that will lead to deepened understanding of academic concepts and of their own academic potential.
Seeing the Scholars in action -- experimenting with rockets in physics class or cells in molecular biology lab, or debating lead social issues in public speaking class, or achieving self-discovery as they lugged laptops across campus -- is inspiring and reminds us of exactly why this program matters.
SMASH Scholars also explored multi-media technology to produce their own video documentaries. Visit www.smashvideo.org to see the world through the eyes of a SMASH Scholar. Our featured documentary is from Juan Del Toro, who works as a janitor at night and shares why the SMASH experience is an incredible opportunity for him and other students of color.
This past Saturday, we honored the scholars' achievements at an End-of-Summer-Recognition Reception at the Lawrence Hall of Science. Scholars exhibited projects from their various classes, and keynote speaker Brice Carrington shared his experience as a sound designer for movies like Jurassic Park and Night at the Museum. Brice encouraged the scholars to couple integrity and persistence with their love of science and technology.
LPFI extends heartfelt thanks to the instructors, teaching assistants, residential advisors, LPFI interns, Cal administrators, donors, and parents who helped make these past five-weeks of summer a huge success for the Scholars. Thank you all!
New Poll on Race, Age, and Gender at Work
LPFI will be hosting a luncheon on September 4th in San Francisco for chief diversity officers, general counsels and others who manage diversity and inclusion. The event, titled "How to Make It Safer to Talk About Race, Age, and Gender in the Workplace," will feature exclusive results from a national poll about the effect of the Obama, Clinton, and McCain candidacies on race, gender and age relations at work.
Tickets are $75 each and include lunch and a hardcover copy of "Giving Notice" by Freada Kapor Klein. Each additional guest from the same company is just $50. The event will be held from noon until 1:30 pm at the Intercontinental (888 Howard Street, San Francisco).
To RSVP, contact Martha Kim at martha@lpfi.org or at 415-946-3027 by August 21.
Positions Open at LPFI
LPFI takes great pride in our staff and the diversity of thought, experience, and skills they provide. Our team is passionate, and committed to making a dramatic impact in higher education and the workplace.
Currently, LPFI is searching for two full time staff to join our San Francisco-based team:
- Director of Workplace Program & Research
- Development Associate.
Full job descriptions are available at www.lpfi.org/aboutus/jobs.html, and cover letters and resumes may be sent to jobs@lpfi.org.
