Shepherd hosts HSTA summer program July 26 through 31

ISSUED: 27 July 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
(Shepherd hosts HSTA summer program July 26 through 31)

Shepherdstown, WV--Shepherd University is hosting the Health Sciences and Technology Academy (HSTA) summer campus-based program. The program began on Sunday, July 26 and will end on Friday, July 31.

HSTA is a math and science program for grades 9-12 which encourages minority and underrepresented students of rural communities. HSTA was established by West Virginia University and is located within 26 counties of West Virginia. The program emphasizes science and math, as well as laboratory experiences where students work with scientists and clinical practitioners. The students work on projects emphasizing science in ways to develop their knowledge and skills. The students learn to collect, interpret, and communicate their results.

"Once the students complete two of the summer camps they are promised a tuition waiver," said Shepherd University's Dr. John Adams, assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students.

Shepherd's Dr. Jason Best, professor of astronomy and astrophysics and observatory director, and Dr. Ed Snyder, institute director and professor of environmental studies, are leading the science-based part of the program; Dr. Richard Stevens, assistant professor, college student development and administration department of psychology, and Christana Johnson, director multicultural affairs, are leading the multicultural part of the program; and Betsy Sheets, director of career services, and Dr. Adams are directing the program. Seven teachers from the Eastern Panhandle and Charleston high schools will teach the 58 West Virginia high school students. Nine Shepherd student mentors have volunteered for the week to help.

Events this week include a tour of Harpers Ferry, the National Air and Space Museum Einstein Planetarium, and the Natural History Museum. Throughout the week the students, broken down into groups, will be evaluating the Town Run from the Morgan Grove Park to the Potomac River.

-30-YOUNG

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