2019 - gcsu.edu
TRANSCRIPT
1 2019 Science Education Center IMAPCT REPORT
Submitted by: Catrena H. Lisse, Ph.D.
2019
IMPACT REPORT
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Welcome!
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
“The first time I felt the excitement from a child experiencing hands-on science, I knew there was no turning back”.
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For many kids, the programs offered through the Science Education Center is their first
time experiencing science in a vibrant, hands-on way—and that can be transformative.
That’s what happened to me. In 2002, I joined the Science Education Center as an Outreach
Volunteer while serving as a chemistry professor for Georgia College, and never left.
Since 2014, I have had the honor of being the Director for the Science Education Center.
In the Center, we collaborate with organizations at Georgia College and beyond the campus
to offer courses, teacher professional development institutes, curriculum development,
research experiences, scientific competitions, camps, and community events. Programs that
provide students, teachers, and the community opportunities to examine the role of science
in life, in education, and in the economy.
A highlight of our hands-on approach is that we allow participants to develop foundational
knowledge while using tools and materials to ask their own questions and discover their
own answers. The center’s methodology helps the program participants approach the world
with confidence in their ability to investigate, explore, and discover until they find a
solution. This approach helps people make sense of the world on their own terms in a
relatable, real-world manner.
My goal is that participants of all ages who come through the Center’s programs experience
the same spark of discovery I felt in my early years. Our hands-on approach is just one of
the ways the Center works to ignite curiosity and help people understand the world around
them.
I hope you’ll feel inspired reading about the Center’s programs of exploration displayed in
this Impact Report. Perhaps you’ll be motivated to join me at one of the Center’s events to
awaken your own curiosity and love of science.
I can’t wait to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning with you!
Catrena Higginbotham-Lisse, Ph.D.
Science Education Center, Director
Professor of Chemistry
Steve Dorman, President Costas Spirou, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Eric Tenbus, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
SCIENCE EDUCATION CENTER: Catrena Lisse, Director
Patti Veal, Administrative Assistant Nicole Collins, Outreach Coordinator (student)
Laura Whitlock, Outreach Volunteer (faculty)
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The need for a fully integrated K–12 STEM education in Georgia has never been more critical. According
to the National Science Foundation, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is the fifth fastest-
growing occupational cluster in the South and the seventh-largest employer, with a projected employment
of 2.6 million workers. In order to prepare our students to take advantage of the vast opportunities in this
field, we must equip students with the knowledge and skills to successfully embark upon a STEM pathway
and ultimately a high-demand STEM-related career. Too many STEM jobs are being left unfilled, meaning
our graduates are missing valuable opportunities to join one of the fastest growing industries in the nation. Over the year, the SEC directly impacted almost 7,000 participants of all ages and backgrounds with science
education programs. At best, this is a very conservative figure as many informal programs were not
accounted for in this report.
The level of funding for center activities, and hence, projects to be coordinated, has been a significant limitation as to what the center was able to accomplish.
• The Director is currently seeking funds from donors, local companies, and community partners to
support individual center projects.
• Grants are being written to implement new programs that target populations that current programs do
not address and to sustain existing programs.
• The creation of space for a new science education center will provide for a more cohesive and
comprehensive administration of programs and projects. The director will be seeking input from the
science department chairs, deans from College of Arts and Sciences and College of Education, and the
Office of Academic Outreach to review and coordinate current projects in place.
• Surveys to assess programs/projects have been developed and currently instituted.
• The Director is currently working with Foundation to establish a Science Education Advisory Board.
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Here is WHY we do what we do.
The Science Education Center, established in 2001 with generous
support from the kaolin industry and the University System of
Georgia’s Eminent Scholars Trust Fund, is a public learning
community exploring the world through science, art, and human
perception. We promote access, interest, and participation in
science by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Our mission is to create inquiry-based experiences that transform
teaching and learning through interdisciplinary approaches and
innovative methods.
Our vision is a world where people think for themselves and can
confidently ask questions, question answers, and understand the
world around them.
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The Center makes the general public more aware that low levels of science education effectively shut the door on many career options.
Young Scientists Academy and Project SEED Department of Chemistry & Physics, American Chemical Society
YSA and Project SEED Director and Faculty Mentor: Dr. Catrena Lisse
Faculty Co-Mentors: Dr. Peter Rosado-Flores, Dr. Wathsala Medawala
Below are the programs and partnerships that
support science and mathematics programs,
collaborative projects, and specific center activities.
A short summary of services is provided to each
project and associated publications/press releases.
The Young Scientists Academy and American Chemical Society
Project SEED Program at Georgia College experienced another
successful summer. The 6-8 week program at Georgia College’s
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy began in June
and ran for 6 weeks (Project SEED ran for 2 additional weeks).
Georgia College hosted an Academic Excellence Symposium with
student presentations and an award ceremony that the students
participated in with their friends, family and community in
attendance. This summer two students, Tony Vargas-Miguel -
Jasper County High School, and HeKet Mitchell - Baldwin High
School, were the recipients of the ACS Project SEED Awards. They
were joined by Gabe Allred – Putnam County High School, Cole
Smith – Jasper County High School, and Adam Rose – homeschool
student. The Young Scientists Academy is a Georgia College summer
high school STEM research program led by the Science Education
Center and conducted in the Department of Chemistry, Physics and
Astronomy. As a result, the students enjoyed several collaborative
and social activities throughout the summer months.
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came to the program with glowing
recommendations from her teachers that were on point.
She was on task, curious, took the initiative and was
persistent about completing the project. She is an under-
represented, financially-disadvantaged, minority female
and will be a first-generation college attendee. During her
tenure at Georgia College, she chased the synthesis of
tetramethoxysilane acid-catalyzed sol-gel monoliths with
encapsulated (H2TCPP) meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)
porphyrin for colorimetric sensor applications. She was
able to successfully synthesize monoliths while
maintaining porphyrin functionality which is a huge
accomplishment in such a short period of time. She
utilized Ultraviolet/Visible Spectroscopy to analyze the
wavelength shifts and absorbance as the porphyrin was
exposed different environments.
HeKet Mitchell
is another student that came to
our Young Scientists Academy program with glowing teacher
recommendations. During his tenure this summer, he
designed, built and implemented a new analysis chamber for
electronic cigarettes (“Vape”). The vapor was analyzed for
volatile organic compounds (VOC) using Gas
Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS) and High
Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). He
successfully designed and built a new smoke/vapor chamber
and after testing two types of e-cig liquids, identified
numerous VOCs including xylene which is a known
carcinogen. He was also the only student to master the
understanding, operation and data analysis of two chemical
instruments in the short 6 weeks. His systematic approach to
problem solving is a valuable skill set that will definitely
come in handy in college and professional career.
Tony Vargas-Miguel
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Once each week the students participated in professional development
workshops, which included career aptitude assessments, resume
writing and mock interviews provided by Georgia College Career
Center, college selection and application assistance as well as
scholarship advice by the Admissions and Recruitment Offices, and
instrumentation training by department faculty and students. We also
addressed ethical dilemmas in science and enjoyed collaborative events
with the summer science camp students (Grades 3-9) where the Project
SEED and YSA participants served as science mentors for the younger
campers. At the conclusion of the program, participants presented their
findings to friends, family, and community members through the YSA
Symposium. The top presenters were selected to attend an all-expense
paid trip to an American Chemical Society conference.
The first week was devoted to chemical and laboratory safety with
extensive training using the American Chemical Society’s Safety First
video and the 8th edition of Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories publication. Student participants met twice each week for group
meetings where they made research updates, read and presented
synopses of articles, and solved problems associated with basic chemical
principles. Rather than lecturing, activities were designed around the
content that students would research and have open discussions. The
students were given a “graded” assessment weekly whether it was a
safety quiz, stoichiometry calculation or research notebook check, but
instead of grades they had peer/mentor discussions about the correct
answers or procedures. It was a very probing and dynamic experience
for all.
Funding from the ACS Middle Georgia local section supported
50% of a $2,500 stipend for each Summer-I Project SEED
student and ACS Project SEED funded the remaining 50%.
The Franklin Foundation Grant at Georgia College provided
funding for the Young Scientists participant stipends. The
Department of Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy as well as
the Georgia College Science Education Center funded the
supplies and chemicals used for the projects.
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Prices for the camps:
Science Camp, Jr. - June 3-7, 2019 (grades 3-5)
Science Camp - June 17-21, 2019 (grades 6-9)
Fee: $100 (10% discount for siblings)
Scholarships available - contact us for more information
Science Camp 2019
Students explored the “Science of Superheroes" during this thematic week long
academic camp. Georgia College was pleased to offer another annual all-science
academic camp. Each fun-filled week of science at Georgia College featured hands-
on and outdoor activities presented by your camp counselors, Georgia College
faculty, area scientists and local community members. In addition, campers were
assisted by some of the finest undergraduate students at Georgia College. Campers
studied biology, chemistry, physics, art, mathematics, and the environment.
Science Youth Workshops
Throughout the year, the Center offers workshops for P-16
students to explore areas of science not covered in traditional
science classrooms.
Workshop topics:
• Renewable Energy – solar, wind, and biomass
• Robotics
• Gardening and organic farming
• Forensics
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Both events were a huge success thanks to the hard work of an amazing advisory board and group of volunteers and judges.
Regional Science & Engineering Fair 2019
Society for Science & the Public; Academic Special Programs
The Georgia College regional fair is affiliated with
the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair
(ISEF), coordinated by the Society for Science & the
Public. The regional fair is hosted annually during
the first weekend in February at the Centennial
Center and is directed by the center director.
February 2019 we had a total of 238 K-12th grade
projects with 361 participants from Baldwin, Bibb,
Laurens, Monroe, Jasper, Johnson, Putnam,
Hancock, Washington and Wilkinson counties.
Forty of our top 6-12th grade projects were selected
to advance on to the state competition in March 2019
at UGA and two high school projects; Drew Schilling
and Cameron Synder (Jasper County High School)
and Ishan Varadia (Sanford Academy, Bibb County)
were selected as the Grand Prize International
Science and Engineering Fair winners that competed
in Phoenix, AZ in May 2019. The top three high
school runner-up projects were selected to attend
ISEF as Student Observers. External funding to
support the regional fair was sought from local
community partners through Latino Community
Fund, GreenPower EMC and local EMCs in central
Georgia.
2nd Annual Georgia College State Science & Engineering Fair 2019 Grades K-5
Society for Science & the Public; Academic Special Programs
Georgia College hosted the annual state-wide Grades K-
5 competition with an increase in participation by 47%
statewide. We welcomed over 350 enthusiastic primary
(grades K-2) and elementary (grades 3-5) students from
around the state to compete in this one-of-a-kind
competition. After being awarded a first or second place
honor at their local or regional competition, students
traveled from 27 towns and cities around the state
accompanied with over 200 teachers and parents.
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2019 Science Fair Committee and Advisory Board: • Catrena Lisse – Fair Director
• Darinda Collins, Susan McGill, Ashlyn Quattlebaum and Patti Veal – Fair assistants
• Awards Chairperson – Tynisha Harris (Georgia College Early College)
• Scoring Chairperson – Marcela Chiorescu (Georgia College)
• Judging Chairperson – Peter Rosado (Georgia College)
• Safety Chairperson – John Trombley (Georgia College)
• Volunteer Co-Chairs – Wathsala Medawala and Tara Newar (Georgia College)
• Ceremony MC – Brian Butler (Bibb County BOE), Hailee Hillsman (GCEC)
• Media and Public Relations – Georgia College Mass Communication students
• Tier 3 Grand Prize Judges – Doug Pohl, Ralph France, Susan McGill, Laura Whitlock
• Safety Review Committee/Institutional Review Board:
o Doug Pohl – chair (Emeritus Georgia College)
o Tynisha Harris (Georgia College Early College)
o Brian Butler (Bibb County School District Science Department)
o Dean Campbell (local veterinarian)
• ISEF Adult-in-Charge and Educator Chaperone – Elizabeth Proctor (Jasper County educator) and Catrena Lisse
• Dr. Wathsala Medawala and Dr. Tara Newar were in charge of recruiting and organizing the 200+ Georgia College students that signed-up to
volunteer. In addition to the 200+ Georgia College volunteers, we had over 100 judges from Georgia College faculty, staff and students and
approximately 30 professional judges from local industry, schools and other colleges that Dr. Peter Rosado-Flores organized.
• STEM Marketplace volunteers: (spent 2 hours with hands-on STEM activities for the participants)
• Campus Activities: (spent 3 hours entertaining the 340 participants in between award ceremonies)
o GC Chemistry Club performed 3 hours of Chemistry Magic Shows (Herty Hall)
o GC Museum of Natural History (Herty Hall)
o Old Governor’s Mansion and Andalusia (offered 2 free tours to our participants)
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High school Middle school Elementary
6344
161
85 80
207
SCIENCE FAIR 2019PARTICIPATION
Male Female
High school Middle school Elementary
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79
150
48
22
90
SCIENCE FAIR 2019 PROJECT TYPE
Individual Team
High school Middle school Elementary
12 11
66
1 3 3
SCIENCE FAIR 2019SCHOOL TYPE
Public Private
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SunPower for Schools
As part of the SunPower for Schools program, local Electric
Membership Corporations (EMCs) have installed 40 solar panels
at schools throughout the state. Solar activity from these panels is
monitored by software to provide real-time data. To help ensure
your students take full advantage of this solar learning laboratory,
Green Power EMC, in partnership with the University System of
Georgia, is pleased to offer teachers the opportunity to participate in a free, information-packed Solar Workshop, to be hosted by the
Science Education Center at Georgia College. You’ll learn more
about how this unique standards-based core curriculum on solar
technology can be used with your students throughout the school
year. The SunPower for Schools curriculum is being offered off-
the-shelf and ready to use with minimal preparation. This teacher-
and student-friendly program supports STEM (science,
technology, engineering and math) in the areas of problem-
solving, math, physics, chemistry, biology, life sciences, earth
science and more. You’ll receive instruction and curriculum to
begin using the programs in your classroom. Additionally, as part
of our commitment to this program, we will offer continued
hands-on support for all participating teachers and schools.
The center provides visibility on the critical shortage of highly-qualified K12
science teachers and offers educational support that meet national and state
certification requirements for current and future teachers. Georgia College strives
to provide the highest quality professional development opportunities for
educators who are faced with the challenge of constantly updating their craft
while meeting national and state certification requirements. The center organized
and co-hosted four teacher workshops this year.
TEACHER PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
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Project ASTRO is a national program that improves the teaching
of astronomy and physical science by linking professional and
amateur astronomers with local educators. Each astronomer is
matched with an educator in a one-on-one partnership and
commits to visiting the educator’s students at least four times
during the school year. Over 500 active educator-astronomer
partnerships currently bring the excitement of scientific discovery
through astronomy to over 20,000 students annually. The main
focus of Project ASTRO educator-astronomer partnerships is
hands-on, inquiry-based activities that put students in the position
of acting like scientists – as they come to understand more about
the universe (and science in general).
In addition to the Center’s focus in science education, faculty and students across Georgia College contribute to science education in numerous ways.
The center collaborates with numerous departments and programs to promote various initiatives, research, education and resources in science
education. In so doing, the Center complements the university's mission to promote lifelong curiosity and civic and global responsibility through the
natural and physical sciences.
Science Fair Boot Camp
The Science Education Center is working to prepare teachers and
adult sponsors for the upcoming science fair season by offering an
intensive one-day training. The workshop is free and will cover
topics ranging from how to start a local science fair, preparing
students for science fair, the 5E learning cycle in science fair, and
resources needed for a successful science fair.
This year we welcomed more than 50 educators from the state of
Georgia at the annual Science Fair Bootcamp held at Herty Hall.
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“In an era where the public is required to think scientifically, the ability to construct
and communicate reasoned arguments is of grave importance”.
50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing
One small step for man, ’one big day at Georgia College - It’s
been 50 years since Apollo 11 landed on the Moon and Astronaut
Neal Armstrong took “one giant leap for mankind.” All of Georgia
was invited to celebrate this milestone at Georgia College on
Saturday, July 20. It was a celebration envisioned by Dr. Laura
Whitlock, a GC astronomy faculty member and a former NASA
employee, and Dr. Catrena Lisse, a GC chemistry professor and
director of the Science Education Center.
A traveling exhibit with science experiments
commenced over the summer and ran through the
year. Dr. Whitlock and center staff visited school
classrooms, community centers and libraries.
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National Chemistry Week 2019 Hosted by: GC Science Education Center, American Chemical Society, GC Chemistry Club, Middle
Georgia ACS, and the Department of Chemistry, Physics and Astronomy
National Chemistry Week (NCW) was October 20-26, 2019 and Georgia College had a week full of
events scheduled. NCW encourages science enthusiasts to build awareness of chemistry at the local
level. Our main goal is to promote the value of chemistry in everyday life. This year’s theme is
Chemistry is Out of this World with an astronomy twist. Our events are hosted by the American
Chemical Society, Middle Georgia Local Section of ACS, Department of Chemistry, Physics and
Astronomy, Georgia College Chemistry Club, Science Education Center, College of Arts and
Sciences, and local industry.
• Chemistry Magic Shows – local schools and community center
• Community Cook-out at the Park
• GC Front Campus – “Chemistry on the Lawn”
• Family Fun Night - This annual community-anticipated event included hands-on experiments, a
haunted maze, an outdoor pyro-chemistry show, chemistry magic show, plus our planetarium
and museum will be open. Fun for the entire family!
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STEMing into the Community STEMing into the community™ to spread student success - Imaginary water,
robots, disappearing plastic cups and flammable dollar bills — how community
youth will explore the world of science.
"What better way to introduce and continue to pique our next generation of
science, technology, engineering and mathematics leaders than putting on
interactive magic shows in their backyard?"
STEMing into the Community™ is a center initiative that launched in 2015 at
Milledgeville’s Housing Authority to spark local students’ curiosity in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics — better known as STEM fields. The
FREE series features hands-on experiments and take-home activities. The series
is part of the center’s outreach and engagement opportunities offered during the
summer months and throughout the academic year. "Interactive magic shows are
an entertaining way to start getting our youths’ wheels turning and start steering
them into the direction of becoming future STEM leaders," said Lisse. "Our
demos are designed to help take their imagination to new heights because
opportunities in STEM are limitless."
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10communities
26 events
10 facilitators
144
volunteers
5,714
kids
6, 633
TOTAL participants impacted
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In honor of National Education Week, National Geographic and
Georgia College's Science Education Center partnered to celebrate
the award winning documentary SCIENCE FAIR. We invited
faculty, staff, teachers and all K-16 students to watch the inspiring
documentary SCIENCE FAIR in November. We were joined by
over 50 local high school students from Jasper County High School.
The Center made the DVD available to all local schools and
community centers – FREE!
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Partnership
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SEC in the News
• December 2019 eConnection: The monthly newsletter for Georgia College alumni and friends,
Internet. (December 2019). Teaching One Student at a Time
• GC to host public celebration of moon landing, Newspaper. Union Recorder – Editor’s
Pick (July 2019).
• Life in the lab: Young Scientists Academy shows students how to research and test,
Newspaper. Union Recorder (July 2019). Featured article in local newspaper.
• Georgia College Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11, TV. Two media stations –
41NBC and 13WMAZ. (July 2019).
• GC hosts over 250 young scientists, Newspaper. Union Recorder. (March 2019).
• Georgia College hosts 2nd annual Georgia College State Science and Engineering Fair,
Newspaper. Union Recorder. (March 2019).
• Milledgeville Scene, Magazine. (January 2019). Conducting research with Baldwin High
School student, Alexis Roberson, was highlighted in a spotlight about her.
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Become a Professional or Business
Advisor
The Center is looking for community
leaders and business professionals to serve
as mentors and advisors for our youth
programs.
Volunteer at Center Programs
We’re always looking for an extra hand at
our community events and programs.
The Center relies on the generosity of
volunteers who enjoy giving back to the
community and who share our
commitment to education and
innovation.
Not a scientist? No problem – we need
volunteers who can assist in a variety of
areas including event logistics and
operations, marketing, and social media.
Mentor Teenage Students
Inspire the next generation of STEM
professionals by serving as a mentor to
our students from financially-
disadvantaged, under-represented
middle and high schools. We’re always
looking for area scientists, graphic
designers, entrepreneurs and engineers,
but we welcome mentors with all types
of backgrounds and skill sets.
GET INVOLVED.
BE PART OF OUR COMMUNITY.
KNOWLEDGE IS VITAL.
NETWORKS ARE ESSENTIAL.
Learn more about engaging with the Science
Education Center as a mentor or by
participating in our events as a speaker,
attendee or volunteer.
Donate to Support the Center
By contributing to the Science
Education Center, you help support the
programming efforts that fuels our
initiatives and catalyzes the discoveries
that advance our collective future.
Contact us for more information on
partnership opportunities and for ways
to engage with central Georgia’s
innovation community.
Attend an Event
We’ve got something for everyone – and
it’s always FREE!
Contact the Center for opportunities to
connect and grow.
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State Funds24%
Endowed Gift22%
Grants22%
Donations32%
Science Competitions
34%
Office Supplies
6%
Travel 11%
Apollo 11 Special Event
5%
Youth Programs
13%
Awards1%
YSA Student Stipends
28%
Professional Development
2%
2019 Financial
Analysis
Total Expenses: $28K
Total Revenue: $31K
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DONORS and SUPPORTERS
The Science Education Center relies on the generosity of donors and supporters to bring our education programs to young people and their teachers. We extend our gratitude to our sponsors.
American Chemical Society – Project SEED
American Chemical Society – Middle Georgia Local Section
Franklin Foundation
University System of Georgia's Eminent Scholars Trust Fund
Kaolin Industry
Green Power EMC
Southern Rivers EMC
Washington EMC
GIFTS IN KIND
We are grateful to the following individuals and organizations that made in-kind donations.
Blackbird Coffee
Goodie Gallery
Heart of Georgia Animal Care
Latino Community Fund with Delta Airlines
Light Force Family Chiropractic
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Help Expand our IMPACT
There are still millions of diseases to cure. Trillions of stars to identify. Countless dinosaurs to uncover.
Who will seek out these unknowns?
The Science Education Center actively works to inspire this next generation of game-changers, and we couldn’t do it without your
help. Your gift could help the Center acquire outreach supplies, underwrite a high school student stipend, help make the Center
accessible to all schoolchildren, bring a world-renown scientist to Central Georgia, and more. Thank you so much for your
consideration to support of the Center.
Our impact is amplified through your generosity. Through your support, we will:
• Ensure access for all
• Build content in areas where we excel
• Deepen our impact in the region
• Amplify leadership in the scientific community
We can ensure access for all through your generosity. For more information about
ways to make a gift:
Bob Preston
Sr. Donor Engagement Officer
College of Arts & Sciences
478.445.4441