Last modified: Thursday, September 21, 2006
IU technology labs promote science literacy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 21, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Pervasive Technology Labs at Indiana University, in partnership with area schools and nonprofit groups, has launched PTL Community Outreach Program aimed at promoting science and technology education to Indiana's children, young adults and families. The program serves to further support PTL's broader efforts in attracting, developing and retaining Indiana 's workforce of tomorrow, and in increasing awareness among Indiana citizens of the value and impact of advanced information technology.
The program will make available PTL scientists and technologists for special lab tours, educational talks on topics related to the use of information technology, and demonstrations of technology to area school groups and non-profit organizations. PTL staff also will be available to participate in technology- and science-focused activities throughout the community, such as science fairs and career days. The program is free of charge.
The PTL Community Outreach Program was developed to complement ongoing efforts by the state of Indiana and Indiana University to improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education -- areas recently identified by Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed as a leading priority for Hoosier schools.
Upcoming events include a workshop for young adults that will discuss computer networking concepts and careers, and a family-centered workshop that will offer practical tips for staying safe online. Both workshops will be offered at the Margaret Cooper Public Library in Linton, Ind., Sept. 26. For more information or to register for either workshop, call 812-847-7802.
Teachers, school administrators and program coordinators interested in scheduling an event, should contact Daphne Siefert-Herron at reachptl@indiana.edu or by calling 812-856-1242. The program currently serves the greater Bloomington and Indianapolis areas and is subject to availability.
More information about the Community Outreach Program, including sample event topics, is available at https://pervasive.iu.edu/outreach/
About Pervasive Technology Labs at Indiana University
Pervasive Technology Labs at Indiana University (https://pervasive.iu.edu) was established in 1999 by a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. It performs leading-edge research based on the ubiquity of information technology in today's world, creating new inventions, devices and software that extend the capabilities of information technology in advanced research and everyday life. Fundamental to its mission are efforts to attract, encourage, educate and retain Indiana 's workforce of tomorrow and to accelerate economic growth in the state through the commercialization of new inventions and by forming and supporting new start-up companies. In carrying out its mission, Pervasive Technology Labs is helping Indiana University maintain its position of international leadership in information technology research, and as a result is helping to enhance the prosperity of the entire state of Indiana.
