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Excelsior Scholars Program
This program, piloted in 2008, has served to improve academic achievement and behavioral development; increased awareness and interest in local career choices and preparatory coursework toward higher education; and engaged diverse community members.
2009 Excelsior Scholars Program
Excelsior Scholars enjoy a break from the lab summer 2009.
Investigating Mysteries in Science
The laboratories of Enterprise Charter School, 275 Oak Street, Buffalo, served as the central program venue for the 2009 program where instructors from the Buffalo Museum of Science delivered hands-on laboratory activities that contributed to real-world scientific research.
Mentor and previous Excelsior Scholar Nathan Gardner assists a 2009 Scholar in the use of microscopes to identify cells before DNA extraction.
Scholars Alice and Nathan warm up their DNA extraction skills by practicing with strawberry DNA extractions!
2008 Excelsior Scholars Program
The University at Buffalo’s Center for Educational Collaboration, in partnership with the Buffalo Museum of Science and distinguished partners from the Buffalo biomedical campus piloted a two-week Excelsior Scholars Program with 47 Buffalo-region middle school students during the summer of 2008. The inaugural summer program proved to be highly successful and provided middle grade students with advanced preparation in the sciences while exposing them to local educational opportunities and career pathways.
Key program components included an intensive academic approach aligned with New York State learning standards, hands-on laboratory activities contributing to real-world scientific research, guided field trips to select components of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, STEM career awareness and development, and group mentored research with a walk-through closing reception.
Excelsior Scholars’ final research projects included poster displays staffed by student researchers in which parents, school personnel, local scientists, and other local interest groups can engage the emerging student citizen scientists in their research.
Testimonials
" My son Patrick was hesitant at the beginning but he had a time of his life. Thank you for providing this to middle school students in this area. I look forward to having all three of our children participating this year and in the future."
Dorothy Siaw - Asamoah
Summer STEM Parent
