While the most visible aspects of the MSBR are its monthly luncheons featuring prominent guest speakers and networking opportunities, education outreach is one of the organization’s top goals. The MSBR promotes educational initiatives to instill an understanding of and a desire to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), building the workforce for tomorrow and keeping the United States at the forefront of scientific advancement. In line with this goal, the MSBR provides funds to support STEM programs throughout Maryland.

The history of MSBR involvement in education outreach goes back over 15 years. We have supported some programs (e.g., FIRST [For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology] Robotics, Physics Olympics and Final Frontiers) almost since the institution of the MSBR. Other programs come and go, and there are always new applicants seeking support each year. Most years between 10 and 15 organizations request funding. Each organization targets a specific age group, be it students in elementary, middle, or high school, or even college. Some applicants also target specific groups such as the disadvantaged or gender-based groups.

Each year the Board of Directors Outreach Committee seeks new applicants and also sends out guidelines to organizations the MSBR has supported in the past. Every organization requesting funding is provided with the opportunity to make a short presentation to the MSBR Board of Directors at the January meeting. The board reviews the requests, discusses their merits, and votes on the distribution of MSBR funds.

Our ability to provide financial support has grown substantially over time, increasing by 50% in the last five-years. Last year we raised an additional $5,000 via our “silent auction” at the October Gala. Our outreach efforts truly make a difference in our community. Read about one important MSBR-sponsored program in the article below.

By MSBR Secretary Ken Dolan/Director of Operations, Capitol College

Robotics Offers Students Unique Learning Opportunity

A primary mission of the MSBR is to support local Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs. One very significant initiative we sponsored this year is the robotics team at the Bluford Drew Jemison (BJD) STEM Academy.

Senator Mikulski at the April MSBR luncheon with students from the Bluford Drew Jemison STEM Academy, accompanied by school administrators Mr. Clifton Martin and Mr. Carl Stokes

Located in northeast Baltimore, BJD is a Baltimore City public charter school designed to foster academic and personal success. BDJ Academy is named for Guion “Guy” Bluford, retired Colonel from the United States Air Force, former NASA Astronaut, and the first African American in space; Charles Drew, a physician and medical researcher who developed the method for preserving and reconstituting blood and the system for storing blood plasma (blood bank); and Mae Jemison, a physician, retired NASA astronaut, and the first African American woman to travel in space. BDJ features a rigorous curriculum in all academic areas, with a special emphasis on STEM subjects. The all-male student body attends school on an extended day schedule, including enrichment sessions on Saturdays and a mandatory five-week summer program that focuses on math and language arts. Originally founded as a middle school, BJD has now expanded to include a high school curriculum, allowing students to continue their preparations for a college education or the workplace.

In 2009, BDJ formed a middle school robotics team to build and design a VEX robot to compete in a regional competition. Despite being the only middle school team competing against older, high school opponents, the BDJ team took first place in the tournament, earning the privilege of competing in a national VEX competition in Dallas, Texas. Based on the success of the 2009 program, BDJ administrators decided to continue the robotics program in 2010, and the MSBR agreed to provide financial support. The BDJ robotics team had another successful season, and competed in several VEX tournaments. Even though they did not come in first place this year, the team finished in the top ten in two competitions against tough competitors.

According to BDJ Technology Coordinator Clifton Martin, however, more important than a winning record are the experiences and skills the students gained through participation in the robotics program. Not only did the students learn about design, programming, building, and testing a robot, they learned valuable life lessons, as well. Martin noted, “These students worked really hard together to accomplish a big goal—something many of them had never done before. They learned that by investing effort and time they can realize a big payoff. Building a robot is not out of reach for them. They did it!” Robotics mentors also noticed that the students became increasingly independent as the year progressed, and by the end the season, the team was almost entirely student-run.

At the May luncheon, we were privileged to host BDJ Chief Operating Officer Mr. Carl Stokes, Mr. Martin, and several BDJ students. We hope our members enjoyed interacting with these educators and remarkable youngsters. After all, one of these students might be a valued employee or client one day!