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More than 30 Merck employees at
West Point are helping students in Norristown, PA, jump the
track of obscurity and mediocrity. Since 1990, the Merck Mentor
Program has opened students eyes to new careers in science and
technology by providing successful examples-themselves.
“There are more minority students looking to careers in
science and technology now than before, but not nearly enough,”
says Alicia Harper, Project Facilities Engineer, MMD, and
Chairperson of program.
“One reason may be that many students don’t know about
these opportunities because they may not have anyone to expose
them to these opportunities. It was clear that there was a need
for professional minority involvement as positive role models in
the schools.” Ms. Harper emphasizes, however, the program is
not limited to minority employees.
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Using rap music to show
kids the importance of getting a good education, rapper
Tyraine Ragsdale-a chemist for R. W. Johnson
Pharmaceutical Research Institute by day-performed for
(number) of middle-school students in Norristown
yesterday. His performance was a highlight of the Merck
Mentor Program this year.
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Every Wednesday
Each Wednesday morning, several Merck Mentors visit East
Norriton Middle School to tutor. Sixteen students are enrolled
this year.
“After consulting with the school, it was apparent that the
immediate need was math,” Ms. Harper says. “We’re trying
to show young people that to be successful in today’s
industrial environment, they will need a strong background in
math, but even if they choose other professions, that background
will help them in the long run.”
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Connectivity Plus
Mentors explained that a major barrier for minorities who
might seek professional careers is the absence of exposure.
“Many kids know they can be successful in the trades because
they grow up in those environments,” says Elmer Gilliam,
Process Engineer, MMD. “That’s fine, but the students may
not be aware of other possibilities. They see people in suits
going to work, however, they don’t have anyone around to
encourage them to pursue professional careers.”
Linking Math to Music
The Mentor Program often uses creative techniques to
demonstrate the relevance of mathematics in students’ lives.
“For example, all of the students go shopping at one time or
another, so we developed a grocery store session that teaches
them math in setting they’re familiar with,” says Greg
Reaves, Manager, Site Public Affairs. “We’ve also used
music, which is important to kids, as a means of encouraging
them to memorize concepts.”
The Merck group works closely with the East Norriton
administration and faculty to maintain academic standards and
make the program more appealing and relevant. They’re also
co-
developing a more structured curriculum with specified
objectives and realistic goals for students to achieve.
But mentors want to be a positive influence in more than just
academics. The group organizes many after-school and weekend
activities for the students, including charity drives, picnics
and field trips.
“We’ve also brought the students to Merck for tours and
provided informal ‘shadowing’ with Merck employees so that
they can experience working in a professional environment,”
Ms. Harper says.
If You’re Interested...
The group would like to attract more members, expand the
program and reach more students.
If you want to be a Merck Mentor, contact Jada Paysour at
682-3779.
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Hank Productions Incorporated © 2003
