Lakewood, N.J., Dec. 10, 2013—Georgian Court University this fall received a $5,000 Merck College Pathways Reinforcement Program grant from the Independent College Fund of New Jersey to support GCU's annual Girls Involved in Science & Technology (GIST) program.
GIST is a hands-on science initiative hosted at GCU during the summer for female high school and middle school students from Lakewood Township. Created in 2004, GIST is designed to inspire a serious interest in science and math in girls and to encourage their desire to attend college.
Taught by GCU faculty, the courses and hands-on learning activities focus on subjects including chemistry, biology, forensics, physics, aeronautics, anatomy, geometry, sustainability, mathematics, and statistical data analysis.
Students examine the physics behind rocket launches, the biology of bones, the study of Fibonacci numbers, science behind blood cells, analysis of math and magic, science of atmospheric fundamentals, and physics of bicycles. Approximately 60 to 80 Lakewood students entering grades 8 to 12 are invited to attend the program each year.
As part of the program, GIST high school students meet with GCU admissions counselors who answer questions about attending and applying to colleges. One of the primary goals of GIST is that participants will choose to major in science or math in the college they attend. GIST also includes a continuing education component in which the Lakewood students return to campus during the school year to work and study with GCU science and math students.
The College Pathways Reinforcement Program assists New Jersey’s private colleges and universities in engaging talented high-school students from low- to moderate income families in a college-type experience that builds academic knowledge, strengthens college preparedness skills, and reinforces self esteem. The grant funding will support the high school student participation in GIST.
Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is a comprehensive, coeducational university with a strong liberal arts core and an historic, special concern for women. A forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, Georgian Court recently became fully coeducational and serves more than 2,000 students of all faiths and backgrounds in both undergraduate and graduate programs. The main campus is at 900 Lakewood Avenue, Lakewood, N.J., on the picturesque former George Jay Gould estate, a National Historic Landmark. Georgian Court also serves students at New Jersey Coastal Communiversity in Wall and through multiple online certificate and degree programs.
