Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) announced the third sequential year of its partnership with Boston Scientific Corporation today as part of a multiple partner initiative that encourages Minneapolis high school students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The Summer Jump Start to College initiative is designed to increase the number of low-income students and students of color who are prepared for college-level math and science courses upon graduating from a Minneapolis public high school or Robbinsdale Cooper High School.
Boston Scientific’s funding provides a clear pathway for students who are interested in math, science, engineering and technology but have fallen off the college math track in middle school or high school. The initiative links Minneapolis Public Schools, Robbinsdale Cooper High School and two successful programs at MCTC: the Summer Jump Start to College and the Power of YOU program.
“The generous support of Boston Scientific helps us to address the real or perceived barriers of expectation, preparation, investment and access,” said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. “I am very pleased that Boston Scientific is stepping forward for a second year to work with MCTC to close the gap that exists in preparing students for careers in science and technology.”
The pathway for high school students includes:
- Summer math, English and reading readiness courses at MCTC that count towards high school graduation and as pre-college developmental (remedial) courses
- A Boston Scientific STEM Scholars Program as part of MCTC’s Power of YOU program for students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and math
- Free bus transportation, textbooks and tuition
“Science and math education are critical focus areas for our outreach efforts,” said Kevin Ballinger, president of Interventional Cardiology at Boston Scientific, based in Maple Grove, Minn. “We are excited to continue this work with MCTC, and look forward to seeing aspiring engineers and scientists on our corporate campus this summer.”
MCTC News 