SEED directs disadvantaged scholars to science careers
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Connect a Million Minds is Time Warner Cable's pledge of $100 million for the next five years to help kids cultivate their skills and their interest in these STEM-related fields.
RALEIGH -- Project SEED is a program that provides disadvantaged high school students an opportunity to do hands-on research at some of the top laboratories across the state. Participating students often come away with a deeper appreciation for scientific research.
"It tests our intellectual skills and tests the whys and hows and everything that happens, and that's really how you can get the Nobel awards and all of that," high school senior Victoria Jones said.
They spend their summers working in actual labs at facilities like Duke University, which lets them go beyond the textbook and experience hands-on research opportunities. Then they compete in science fairs across the state, the U.S. and the world.
"We feel that if we can give them the opportunity that they may not have at their neighborhood schools, that this will encourage them and hopefully persuade them to stay in and pursue careers in science," said North Carolina Project SEED director Kenneth Cutler.
One Project SEED student recently won a $30,000 scholarship from the National Siemens Competition for his work in diabetes research, which he plans on continuing after becoming a medical doctor.
"They teach you how to think like a scientist, which is important to me because I don't want to go into a lab … and just run through the motions,” high school senior Lanair Lett said. “They actually taught me the methods to the type of thinking you have to do to design your own project and gave me the opportunity to do so all at the same time, which is probably one of the better things.”
About 150 students have graduated from the program since it started in 1991. Many have gone on to study science and math in college, graduate, and doctoral programs.
"I know that I want to major in biochemistry because I want to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, so it helps when the admissions people see that you've actually done research in a science lab in the biochemistry department,” Jones said. “I'm so grateful that Project SEED has given me the opportunity because it makes me stand out, and I'm really blessed."