The Kealing Student Support program aims to inspire and assist low-income Austin students to pursue careers in STEM fields. The program begins with special sixth-grade science enrichment component - including additional hands-on science activities, increased use of technology, summer activities and special support for students who choose to enter an advanced academic program in the following years. The program has the following objectives:
- To encourage students from ethnic and economic backgrounds typically underrepresented in science, technology, or mathematics to succeed in these subjects and others;
- To assist these students and their families in discovering and participating in the most rigorous programs available in Austin public schools;
- To change the aspirations of students and their families so that attending college becomes a normal expectation rather than an unlikely privilege.
Background: Kealing Student Support began in 1993 as the Young Scientists Program with support from the National Science Foundation. By 1999, the program had grown to include six schools and attracted the attention of the UT College of Natural Sciences Special Projects Office. The program is now a part of UTeach Outreach.
Other Schools: Student Support is also currently offered at Walnut Creek Elementary, T.A. Brown Elementary and Barrington Elementary. Additional support continues at the High School level at Austin's Liberal Arts and Science Academy, or LASA, in partnership with The Austin Urban Scholars Program managed by Gwen Zucker with UTeach Outreach support.
For students: Students interested in doing volunteer work and making a difference in the lives of children should consider volunteering at Kealing. Volunteers earn great leadership experience and learn how to develop relationships with other students. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact UTeach.Outreach@utexas.edu.
Staff at Kealing Middle School:
Jo Garcia, Student Advocate paid for by donors to The College of Natural Sciences and grants currently dedicates most of her time to Kealing students and faculty. Jo meets routinely with parents, shares opportunities for support and supervises tutoring for students. Her passionate work with students and families continues throughout the summer. Jo serves as the Kealing contact for Breakthrough, SAT Fun Club, Austin Partners in Education and IBM’s EXITE. We continue to pursue funding to provide full time support.
Several UTeach Interns are providing academic support to students at Kealing Middle School and LASA High School.
Staff at University of Texas:
Mary Miller, Program Coordinator for UTeach Outreach Initiatives, lends general support for the program, provides 6th grade enrichment, organizes and oversees the summer acceleration camps, and assists with special events during the year.