WASHINGTON (AP) – President Barack Obama is launching a version of “take your child to work day” that’s focused on America’s science laboratories instead of its corporate workspaces.
It’s part of Obama’s effort to encourage young people, especially girls and minorities, to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
More than 50 national labs in 20 states are opening their doors this coming week to approximately 5,000 elementary, middle and high school students to help spark interest by exposing them to the scientists, engineers and lab employees who carry out important work and research at facilities in their communities.
The students, including from communities aligned with Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative, will participate in mentoring sessions, hands-on experiments and other activities. My Brother’s Keeper is a public-private initiative started by Obama to help boys and young men of color stay on the right path. The White House Council on Women and Girls is also involved.
“National Week at the Labs” coincides with February’s end of Black History Month and the start of Women’s History Month in March.