What is CAUSE?
The Creating Appeal for Undergraduate Scientific Endeavors (CAUSE) program was established in the spring of 2003 as a partner effort between two science and engineering programs in the Atlanta University Center, the National Society of Black Engineers (AUC NSBE) Pre-College Initiative (PCI) and the Morehouse College NASA Project SPACE program. The program was designed to help achieve the common goal of motivating high school students in pursuing careers in engineering, science, and mathematics. The program ended with much success, leaving 22 fortunate high school seniors with several tools to prepare for high achievements in future research and college experiences.

With a year under its belt, CAUSE is starting off the year 2004 with a new approach to developing pre-college excitement in college level scientific exploration. AUC NSBE has once again partnered with NASA Project SPACE to create an even larger, more comprehensive program for pre-college scientific development that will affect participating students from January through April. With a vision including more students, more volunteers, more activities, and more excitement, CAUSE has been jam packed with new creative programs and initiatives to provide students with the “full package experience.” Teachers and parents … be prepared to look through a new window of exploration with your young scientists and innovators.

 

A New Window of Exploration
The mission of the CAUSE program focuses on providing pre-college students with the opportunity to explore scientific research on a college level. From this mission comes a team of fun-filled, highly effective programs that make up this year’s CAUSE program. As our flagship initiative, the CAUSE Science Exploration Symposium & Awards Banquet provides the opportunity for students to share their research on a college level. This program culminates a three-month mentorship initiative, where college level volunteers team with pre-college students to complete their research and prepare it for presentation.

To creatively enhance the mentor/mentee initiative, CAUSE now includes a program series where students are exposed to seminars, workshops, and college visits. This program nearly touches all aspects of college transitioning, ensuring that students are well preparing for college and major selection, future planning, studying techniques, professional development, and teamwork. In addition to this great opportunity, CAUSE has partnered with Apple to create “Capturing the CAUSE”, a video project developed by CAUSE volunteers that will document the many experiences of the CAUSE initiative with the newest high level video editing devices from Apple. This movie is sure to be a smash hit, as it will debut at this year’s CAUSE Awards Banquet.

 

CAUSE for 2004
This year’s CAUSE program will run from January through April, where students will take part in various fun filled projects, workshops, trips, and other explorative initiatives. All students interested in exploring science to the next level are encouraged to participate. Teachers and parents can even take part in many of the CAUSE programs that will take place throughout the months. During the CAUSE Science Exploration Symposium & Awards Banquet all family, friends, supporters, and interested public will be invited to share with the students during their presentations.

January 2004 is when a new window or exploration will open. Whether you are a student, teacher, or parent, be sure that you are part of this extraordinary celebration.