On September 17, highly motivated high school students from Paterson and Hackensack, N.J., began an intensive study of mathematics, science and engineering in the Technology Enrichment and Outreach Program (TEOP) designed to strengthen and enhance the math and science skills of New Jersey high school students.

From left, Alfredo Tan, electrical engineering and director, computer sciences/engineering (Metro); Melvin Lewis, engineering technology and associate director of engineering/engineering technology/information technology (Metro) and coordinator, TEOP program; Mark Porto, principal, Hackensack High School; and Bonnie Miele, vice principal, Panther Academy, Paterson; spoke at the TEOP opening ceremony.

The program promotes computer science, engineering, mathematics and engineering technology to public high schools with large populations of under-represented minority and/or financially disadvantaged students. It brings upper-level high school students to the School of Computer Science and Engineering at the Metropolitan Campus for 12 Saturdays per semester for technical instruction and hands-on laboratory work under the direction of University faculty, staff and graduate students.

The students, selected by teachers and administrators from their districts, are studying basic engineering principles, scientific concepts and mathematics applications; meeting with professionals from these areas; participating in planned site visits to research and development facilities; and taking part in a professional mentoring program.

Program activities include conducting digital image enhancement and restoration; building kit airplanes, rockets and remote-controlled cars; and creating Web pages and Web sites.

Left photo: After the event, Chris Groff, left, director, corporate/foundation relations, University advancement (Metro/Flor), speaks with Jo Ann Dow-Breslin, manager of community affairs, PSE&G, and an FDU alumna of the corporate and organizational communication program, MA’99 (Metro). Right photo: Richard Reiss, right, senior vice president for University advancement (Metro/Flor), speaks with Joe Machuga, left, and Al Machuga, center, trustees, The John Victor Machuga Foundation, and presents them with a TEOP bag.

A leading grant from the Toyota USA Foundation with significant funding by GE Equipment Services, The John Victor Machuga Foundation, Inc. and PSE&G, make this expanded, multi-year program possible. “We are very pleased to partner with New Jersey’s largest private university in this math and science outreach program,” said Atsushi “Art” Nimi, president, Toyota USA Foundation.

President J. Michael Adams said, “The University is pleased to help build connections between young and talented science students and future employers. This program partners with our neighboring school districts to enhance and enrich their science offerings.”

The program — one of several strategic partnerships that the School of Computer Sciences and Engineering has developed with public schools over the past few years — was successfully piloted in collaboration with the Paterson Public Schools in 2001.

President J. Michael Adams greets the TEOP students.

Alfredo Tan, electrical engineering and director, computer sciences/engineering (Metro), noted, “It is gratifying to know that others share our concern about the underrepresentation of minorities and women in the diverse fields of engineering. Students in our region now have the opportunity to be exposed to new engineering technologies, computer sciences and new math initiatives that will encourage and inspire them to pursue careers in these fields.”

October 2005

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Flor =
College at Florham, Madison, N.J.

Metro =
Metropolitan Campus, Teaneck, N.J.

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