Governor Patrick, United Way honor "Young Scientists"

BOSTON – Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick today is standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the future workforce of the region's science and technology industries – but they aren't ready to be hired just yet. The Governor today joins leaders from the Commonwealth's life sciences, health care, education and technology industries and United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley to celebrate the accomplishments of United Way's Math, Science and Technology initiative (MSTi), an innovative community partnership that is engaging kids in the sciences through hands-on learning in after-school programs. Today's event will also honor two young scientists – Enid Cordero, age 12 of Randolph and Yvelande Merisier, age 13 of Dorchester.

"These young people will shape our future economy," said Governor Patrick. "Investments in programs that get kids excited about science, math and technology are investments in our Commonwealth."

"Five years ago, leaders in the fields of life science, education and health care recognized the importance of inspiring youth to pursue the sciences," said Michael K. Durkin, president and chief executive officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. "They partnered with United Way to launch MSTi, a coordinated effort to bring these fields to the next generation. This work is about stirring kids' curiosity and exposing them to the academic and professional worlds that can transform their lives."

To date, the life science, education, technology and health care industries have raised $1.4 million for MSTi, enabling the effort to grow from three science clubs to nearly thirty, serving close to 400 youth in Greater Boston and Merrimack Valley. MSTi is supported by leading corporations in the region – Amgen Foundation, Biogen Idec Foundation, Charles Stark Draper Labs, Eastman Gelatine Corporation, EMD Serono, Nixon Peabody LLP, Novartis, Waters Corporation and Vertex Pharmaceuticals have provided key funding to enable MSTi to be a success for youth. These companies have also provided students the opportunity to investigate math, science and technology-based careers via site visits to area companies. The Dream in Science event is generously underwritten by Novartis.

"As a company committed to encouraging science education amongst Massachusetts youth, EMD Serono is proud to support the United Way's MSTi program in building the next generation of leaders in science and technology," said Renee Connolly, Vice President, U.S, Communications at EMD Serono, who co-chairs the volunteer MSTi Advisory Board with Jeffrey Lockwood, Director of External Communications, at Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research.

Today, United Way will present Young Scientist Awards to two students – chosen among a field of hundreds – who exhibit enthusiasm and curiosity for science and display a high level of commitment to learning as a team. "I like science because it allows you to learn new things about the world," said Enid Cordero, age 12, who attends the program at the South Shore Day Care Services in Randolph. "Scientists are important because they do research to find out things we don’t know, and help protect us from danger and solve problems." Yvelande Merisier, age 13, who attends the program at the King Community Learning Center in Dorchester and who will also be honored today said, "I really like science because it allows you to observe and learn about new things. My science club has made me feel more confident and believe in myself."

The Cambridge Community Center will be recognized as Science Club of the Year for its increased commitment to scientific exploration by both staff and youth, a willingness to share their experiences with other programs, a dedication to volunteer involvement and for encouraging its "graduates" to become engaged in teaching their peers. Yoeal Efram, age 12, of Cambridge will accept the award – a tribute to his true love for science, hunger for knowledge, and dream of becoming a heart surgeon who gives back by also volunteering to teach kids about science.