SSOE Group Supports Expansion of NMSI's AP Training and Incentive Program
DALLAS -The National Math and Science Initiative announced Monday that the SSOE Group, an international engineering, procurement, and construction management firm, is providing $5,000 to support the expansion of NMSI's Advanced Placement Training and Incentive Program, which helps more American students succeed in rigorous college-level courses.
The SSOE funds will provide 50 mini-scholarships for high school Advanced Placement* students to encourage them to pursue careers in math, science and technology. To be eligible, the students have to earn a qualifying score on an AP math, science or English exam administered by the College Board.
"We are pleased that SSOE Group is lending its support to this important mission," said Dr. Mary Ann Rankin, President and CEO of NMSI. "APTIP is addressing the skills gap in today's workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). By reinforcing those skills, SSOE is helping equip more students in the United States to succeed in college and go on to compete on the global stage, which is essential to the future of our country."
Dr. Rankin pointed out that research indicates that students passing AP courses in high school are three times more likely to complete a college degree. Further, AP students are among the few American students who compare favorably with their counterparts in other countries on internationally ranked math and science exams.
"SSOE is always on the lookout for opportunities to encourage the next generation's interest in math and sciences, so naturally NMSI was the perfect organization," said SSOE's CEO Tony Damon.
NMSI, a non-profit organization, launched APTIP during the 2008-2009 school year. Schools participating in the NMSI-supported AP program the last three years have recorded triple-digit increases in the number of qualifying scores, based on College Board data:
- A 124 percent increase in passing exams in AP math, science and English among all students, compared to a 23 percent increase nationally over the same period of time;
- A 216 percent increase in passing exams in AP math, science and English among African-American and Hispanic students, compared to 50 percent nationally;
- A 144 percent increase in passing exams in AP math and science among female students, compared to 20 percent nationally.
About SSOE Group (www.ssoe.com): As the 14th largest engineering, architectural, and construction management firm (Building Design + Construction), one of Inc. magazine's fastest growing firms (2011), and one of the "Best AEC Firms to Work For" (Building Design + Construction), SSOE Group focuses on delivering exemplary service to clients through a full range of engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) services. Over the company's 60-plus year history, it has earned a reputation for providing quality project solutions to food and consumer products, chemical, government, power, automotive, glass, healthcare, and science and technology industries. SSOE has 24 offices around the world and has completed projects in more than 30 countries.
About APTIP: APTIP dramatically increases the performance of high school students in rigorous AP courses in math, science and English. The comprehensive approach includes intensive teacher training, support from master teachers, increased time on task for students in special study sessions, open enrollment, and incentives for teachers and students. Passing AP exam scores are almost universally accepted for course credit by the nation's colleges and universities, which see success in AP courses as reliable indicators of students' subject-area knowledge and capacity for college-level thinking.
About NMSI: NMSI is an agent of change that was launched in 2007 by top leaders in business, education and science to improve student achievement in math and science across the American public school system. NMSI's mission is to bring best practices to the education sector by replicating proven programs on a national scale that have more than 10 years of proven results. NMSI has received major funding support for its groundbreaking national initiatives from Exxon Mobil Corporation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, with additional support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Lockheed Martin Corporation.
Contact: Rena Pederson, NMSI communications director, at (214) 665-2523 rpederson@nationalmathandscience.org. For more information, visit www.nationalmathandscience.org.
*AP and Advanced Placement Program are registered trademarks of the College Board.
