A University of Georgia research program is sponsoring the now underway Atlanta Science Festival.
The research program, LISELL-B, stands for language-rich inquiry science with English language learners through biotechnology. The program holds workshops and provides information for families, creating a network of information for bilingual students. The program began over nine years ago with the arrival of Dr. Corey Buxton. LISELL-B was formed after discussing research interests with his colleague Martha Allexsaht-Snider. LISELL-B is hoping to bring their information and advice to a larger audience in Atlanta through the Atlanta Science Festival.
LISELL-B program’s framework provides bilingual family workshops in hope of spreading education about careers in science and strengthening current academic success. The research program encourages students to pursue careers in STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. At the festival, they are teaming with Georgia Tech’s GoSTEM program to hold the fifth annual Latino College and STEM Fair.
“It really is about reaching high school, middle school, and even elementary schools and families and just helping them think about STEM careers as good jobs in high growth,” said Dr. Buxton.
The event takes place on Saturday, March 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and features college admissions and recruitment booths, science booths, guest speakers, panels, and seminars.
“Most of the students we work with, their parents did not go to college,” Buxton said.
Current college students often talk to Latino families about the process of making good grades in order to get into schools like UGA. Several families from the Athens and Gainesville areas will be at the Atlanta Science Festival, so they can get a firsthand look at the STEM community.
Buxton encourages students looking for a career in STEM to take the right courses and look for jobs and internships that can give students exposure into the field.
The Atlanta Science Fair is going on until March 25th and has a variety of events across Atlanta.
By: Janie Bohlmann
