The Math and Science Center Upward Bound would like your assistance in identifying faculty and teaching assistants who would be interested in working with our programs this summer. With over 30 years of experience on UT’s campus, our programs are dedicated to working with highly motivated high school students from economically disadvantaged families where neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. At this time, we are searching for exceptional research mentors for our 5 week summer component. Research mentors for the Math and Science Center are needed in a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields in order for our students to conduct scientific research with mentors, with the finished project to be presented at the Annual Scientific Poster Symposium.
Our summer teaching dates have been set for June 3rd – July 5th. I am including an application packet that includes an informational sheet and job description for you to distribute to potential applicants. I greatly appreciate your assistance in spreading the word about our programs. Each summer we employ approximately 13 mentors who have either been past participants or directly recommended by a faculty member in their program as a result of sharing of this opportunity. If you or your colleagues have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (865) 974-4466 or lacampbe@utk.edu. The application deadline is March 22nd.
Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Leigh Ann Elkins
Leigh Ann Elkins
Project Director
Math and Science Center
1914 Andy Holt Ave; 25 HPER Bldg.
Knoxville, TN 37996
865-974-4466
What is the UT Math and Science Center?
Come be a part of an academic program that truly makes a difference! Every year, the UT Math and Science Center (MSC) hosts 40 to 45 high school students from East Tennessee during the summer. These students are from low-income families and families where neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. Our students are both academically motivated and skilled in the areas of math and science. Our job is to help kindle that spirit and provide math and science experiences not offered in the traditional high school classroom environment.
What is the summer mentoring program?
Through our mentoring component, our students experience true college research. Mentors meet with their students three days a week during the program to help them conduct research in their areas of expertise. Students must complete a scientific poster, research paper, and oral presentation during the four week program.
Who are we looking for?
Mentors need to be interested in working with motivated high school students in the fields of math and science. At a minimum, mentors must hold a bachelor’s degree, preferably in the field in which they will be mentoring. Priority will be given to UT professors and instructors in the STEM fields, although successful projects have incorporated business, marketing, psychology, and other relevant fields. Past mentors have included doctors, professors, graduate students, high school teachers, and other professionals. For their time, mentors receive a paid stipend as determined by the MSC office. Persons with backgrounds similar to our students are encouraged to apply.
How do you contact us?
For more information or to request an application, contact Leigh Ann Elkins, Project Director, at (865) 974-4466 or lacampbe@utk.edu. Applicants need to complete and submit a UT employment application, cover letter, and resume.
Materials may be mailed to: Leigh Ann Elkins
UT Math and Science Center
1914 Andy Holt Ave., 25 HPER Bldg. Knoxville, TN 37996-2745