[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 155 (Friday, November 7, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               NOTING THE SUCCESS OF NASA'S SEMAA PROJECT

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                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 7, 1997

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the 21st century, we are 
hearing reports that America's students are continuing to perform 
poorly in math and science. These skills will be critical in the highly 
technical society to which we are moving. I want to bring to the 
attention of my colleagues an exciting program that addresses this 
challenge. The program is enjoying great success in my home district, 
the 11th Congressional District of Ohio.
  In 1993, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [NASA] 
Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, OH, joined with Cuyahoga Community 
College in launching the Science, Engineering, Mathematics and 
Aerospace Academy [SEMAA]. The program was created to increase the 
number of under-represented and under-served students interested in 
science, mathematics, engineering, and technology careers. At the same 
time, SEMAA focuses on increasing the success rate of these students 
through innovative activities and programs.
  I have had the opportunity of witnessing firsthand the success of 
this unique initiative. Students are placed in settings where they are 
allowed to imagine themselves on the surface of Mars, or flying across 
country in the mobile aeronautics laboratory. The students are not only 
developing strong math, science, and other technical skills, but they 
are also developing good leadership and communication skills.
  For these reasons, the SEMAA program is being hailed as a great 
success. When it was first introduced, program heads set as a goal 
serving 1,000 students each program year. I am pleased to report that 
in its 4th program year, SEMAA served 1,939 students, nearly double the 
original goal.
  Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that NASA Administrator Dan Goldin 
supports the SEMAA initiative. In my congressional district, a team of 
three individuals play critical roles in guaranteeing the program's 
success. I want to recognize these individuals, each of whom has a 
strong background in education. The individuals are: Dr. R. Lynn 
Bondurant, Jr.; Mr. John Hairston; and Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton.
  Dr. Bondurant is the education programs officer in the external 
programs division at NASA Lewis Research Center. In this position, he 
is responsible for creating and implementing new educational programs, 
including SEMAA. He also recently completed a mobile aeronautics 
education laboratory. Prior to his employment at NASA Lewis, Lynn was a 
junior high school principal and curriculum coordinator. I should also 
note that Dr. Bondurant was the first education officer at the National 
Air and Space Museum. He is the recipient of numerous awards including 
NASA's Exceptional Service and Leadership Medals; and the Challenger 
Seven Award from the Challenger Center.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. John Hairston serves as director of external 
programs at NASA Lewis Research Center. His responsibilities include 
the development and implementation of outreach, educational and 
informational programs that contribute to scientific literacy and 
highlight Lewis Research Center's expertise in research and technology. 
Prior to joining NASA, John spent 27 years with the Cleveland city 
schools where he now serves as a board member. He, too, has received 
NASA's Outstanding Leadership and Exceptional Achievement Medals. John 
is also a member of the Ohio Aerospace Council.
  Dr. Jerry Sue Thornton is president of Cuyahoga Community College in 
Cleveland, OH. Under her leadership, the college serves 60,000 students 
annually through more than 70 degree programs. She has been 
instrumental in spearheading the implementation of unique programs to 
meet the needs of Cleveland students, including the SEMAA project and 
other technology initiatives. In addition to leading Cuyahoga Community 
College, Dr. Thornton is a board member of the Greater Cleveland Growth 
Association, Applied Industrial Technologies, and the Cleveland 
Foundation, just to name a few. She has also written for several 
publications, including books, book chapters and professional articles.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute Dr. Bondurant, Mr. John Hairston, and Dr. Jerry 
Sue Thornton for their efforts in ensuring the success of the SEMAA 
program. On behalf of the students and parents within the 11th 
Congressional District, I applaud their commitment to educational 
excellence. In my opinion, the SEMAA project should be duplicated in 
congressional districts across the United States. It is my hope that 
this will be one of our goals for the future.

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