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This content was published: October 24, 1996. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.

Intel Awards PCC $10,000 Grant to Help Students Overcome Science and Technology Fears

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The Intel Foundation and PCC have teamed up to help reduce the anxiety that keeps students from studying or considering a career in science and technology.

"As adults we seem to feel that courses involving technology and science, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and circuitry are too difficult for us," said Joanne Truesdell, director of the new project at PCC’s Rock Creek Campus.

"This course creates a friendly place to explore job opportunities, visit job sites and perform lab experiments. In the end, our goal is that adults looking for a change will actively pursue career opportunities in these areas," she added.

The Foundation awarded the college $10,000 to develop the tuition-free career exploration class. In the project, called New Directions in Exploring Science and Technology, students will have a chance to conduct hands-on experiments in the computer, microelectronics, biotechnology and natural resources laboratories. And, at the end of the class, they create an education plan that maps out the next step toward a degree and employment in one of the science areas.

"We’re excited about this new approach," said Truesdell. "Because of Intel’s support for low and moderate income students, not only are tuition and materials free, but also child care expenses and transportation expenses are available."

The first class, "Exploring Careers in Science and Technology," will begin winter term 1997. It is scheduled for Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Rock Creek Campus, 17705 N.W. Springville Road and at the PCC Workforce Training Center, N.W. 185th and Walker Road. For more information, please contact the Student Resource Center at the Rock Creek Campus, 614-7432.