Carolyn Foundation gives Northwestern $30,000.00 for the Science Academy

Northwestern Health Sciences University recently received a grant of $30,000 from the Carolyn Foundation to fund the University’s Summer Science Academy.

“We are grateful for the financial support from the Carolyn Foundation,” says Tolu Oyelowo, DC, associate professor and chair of Northwestern’s Diversity Commission. “We are also grateful for the dedication of the outstanding Northwestern faculty and the leadership demonstrated by Northwestern students who served as mentors to the program participants.”

“We are very excited,” adds Bill Kuehl, BA, director of admissions and one of the organizers of the event. “This grant provides Northwestern a great opportunity to expand our community of caring.”

The purpose of the academy is to build relationships with minority communities, to offer life-changing experiences for students who may have very few role models in the sciences, and to enhance cultural competency at Northwestern.

“There is a pressing need to support young people in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area to pursue higher education,” says Dr. Oyelowo. “The week-long science academy provides students with a didactic learning environment and mentoring in an effort to encourage them to pursue careers in medicine, natural health care or other science and technology fields. Empowering students of color to go on to careers in health care and science gives them opportunities to grow to their full potential, gain financial self sufficiency in their personal lives, and enhance the well being of Minnesota communities as a whole.”

The academy includes a variety of learning experiences as well as opportunities for students to work with mentors who attend Northwestern. Students study X-rays; learn about the skeletal system; view CT scans and MRIs; take throat cultures; are certified in CPR; dine with Minnesota Supreme Court Justice and former Minnesota Viking Alan Page and other celebrities; and study first aid.

“The Summer Science Academy was an opportunity for students to do things they wouldn’t normally be able to do,” says Kuehl.

Northwestern recruits students from Minneapolis and St. Paul, and other metro school districts. Students are not charged to attend the camp. It is estimated the science academy costs about $50,000.00 per year

The Science Academy is an example of our interest in and commitment to new and innovative initiatives that contribute to the fulfillment of our institutional mission,” says Charles Sawyer, DC, senior vice president and provost. “This program was a genuine team effort involving the hard work and great ideas of many faculty, staff, students and administrators. The Carolyn Foundation grant acknowledges the value of their efforts and encourages us to increase our community involvement.”