Purdue Program, IPS to Receive Mayor's Award

The award honors students, teachers, groups or schools that have made a significant contribution to public education. The Science Bound program is a partnership between Purdue, IPS, and area businesses that provides a four-year tuition scholarship to Purdue for students studying science, engineering or technology

Source: Inside INdiana Business

Press Release

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University's Science Bound program and the Indianapolis Public Schools Friday (Nov. 11) will share the spotlight when Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson honors them with the Excellence in Education Award.

The monthly award honors students, teachers, groups or schools that have made a significant contribution to public education in Indianapolis and whose excellence inspires others. The presentation will take place at noon during the Purdue Executive Roundtable Luncheon at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 350 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis.

"Science Bound is an example of a partnership between a premier university and our state's largest school corporation that has truly made a lasting difference in Indianapolis," Peterson said. "Students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to go college are excited about learning and can envision themselves crossing the stage to receive their degree. For the young lives that Science Bound and IPS have influenced, they are well deserving of this recognition."

Science Bound, a partnership among Purdue, Indianapolis Public Schools and the Indianapolis business community, was initiated in 2000. After students successfully complete the program, they receive a four-year tuition scholarship to Purdue to study for a science, engineering or technology career.

The five-year-old program, which started with 60 middle-and high-school students, has grown to more than 160 students. The students participate in science-related after-school activities, field trips and summer camps to enrich their academic experience.

Purdue President Martin C. Jischke said the program has had a positive impact on many Indianapolis students.

"From internships and career days to science experiments, archaeological digs and trips to the Indianapolis Symphony, Science Bound students have benefited from so many enriching activities to nurture their interest in education," Jischke said. "We eagerly anticipate the day in 2007 when the first graduates of the Science Bound program begin their studies at Purdue."

Eugene White, superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools, said IPS students reap great benefits as soon as they begin the Science Bound program.

"Science Bound has sown a seed which will grow into a lifetime of learning," White said. "I value our partnership with Purdue and look forward to expanding the program and reaching even more young minds."

Robert L. Bowen, CEO of Bowen Engineering Corp. in Fishers, Ind., represents one of Science Bound's many corporate sponsors and supporters. He said he supports Science Bound because it reaches out to students who might not otherwise consider college.

"We win and America wins if we can get more IPS graduates going to Purdue and help them succeed," Bowen said. "The thing that impresses me the most about Science Bound is the commitment of the Purdue staff and the IPS teachers. They are talented, committed, hardworking and skilled."

Other corporate sponsors include:

* AADC/Rolls-Royce
* The ACT Awards Program
* Alcoa Inc.
* American United Life Insurance Co.
* Applied Engineering Services Inc.
* Bank One Foundation
* CSO Design
* Caterpillar Foundation
* Christel DeHaan Family Foundation
* Citizens Gas Co. of Indianapolis
* Coachmen Administrative Services Inc.
* Consolidated Products Foundation
* Duke Realty Corp.
* Electronic Evolutions Inc.
* Eli Lilly and Co. Foundation
* Emmis Communications
* Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund
* GE Foundation
* Great Lakes Chemical Foundation
* Guidant Foundation
* Healthcare Management Solutions LLC.
* IKON Office Solutions Inc.
* Indianapolis Clean Stream Team
* Inproteo LLC
* IPL/AES Indianapolis Power & Light Co.
* Irwin Financial Foundation Inc.
* Klipsch Audio Technologies
* L'Acquis Consulting
* Lauth Property Group
* Leadership Lafayette
* Lumina Foundation
* Mays Chemical Company Inc.
* National City Bank
* Nelnet Inc.
* Office Works
* OneAmerica Financial Partners
* Patterson Enterprises Inc.
* PC 16K Challenge Match
* Purdue Alumni Foundation
* Purdue Association of Indianapolis
* Ratio Foundation Inc.
* Raytheon Technical Services Co. LLC
* Regions Bank
* RJE Business Interiors
* Rotary Foundation of Indianapolis, Inc.
* Safeco Corp.
* Sallie Mae
* Shiel Sexton Company Inc.
* Simon Property Group
* St. Vincent Hospital and Health Center
* Union Planters Bank
* USA Funds
* Veolia Water of Indianapolis
* Wellpoint Inc.

Bowen and his wife, Terry, also will receive the Outstanding Philanthropist Award presented by the Indiana chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals during the 23rd annual Philanthropy Awards Dinner on Nov. 15. The award will be presented to the Bowens for their support of a variety of projects that have benefited Purdue and students in Indiana.

In addition to serving as lead donors for Science Bound, the Bowens established the Bowen Foundation 11 years ago to provide college scholarships to disadvantaged students in Marion County. Approximately 300 students have received more than $500,000 in scholarships through the foundation. They also funded the Bowen Laboratory for Large-Scale Civil Engineering Research, an $11 million Purdue facility that allows engineers to test structures such as bridges and buildings to determine how they will perform in real-life situations.

Jischke also was honored yesterday with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. According to the award criteria, it is given to someone who has demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond and who has given significantly of his or her time and expertise to the Chamber for the betterment of the business community.

Source: Purdue University