A model for the nation, (MS)², which stands for Math and Science for Minority Students, was established in 1977 by renowned education reformer Theodore R. Sizer, then headmaster at Andover, with a grant from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation. The program was created to address the shortage of people of color in math and science careers.

In the last 25 years, 97 percent of (MS)² graduates have enrolled in college immediately after high school graduation. Based on a survey of alumni, 79 percent have gone on to major in math and science related fields. Many are working in these fields and have pursued doctorate and medical degrees. Graduates have enrolled in 178 colleges and universities. The seven most popular colleges attended include Brown, 52; Dartmouth, 41; MIT, 23; Oberlin, 19; Stanford, 19; University of Pennsylvania, 18; and Howard, 17.

The three-year academic summer program provides rigorous mathematics and science training at no cost to high school students of color from 20 communities–urban areas and Native American reservations– around the nation including Baltimore, Md.; Boston, Mass.; Chicago, Ill.; Cleveland and Dayton, Ohio; Fort Worth, Texas; Lawrence, Mass; Louisville, Ky.; Memphis, Tenn; New York, N.Y.; and Washington, D.C. Native American students may apply from any geographic area of the United States.

About 100 (MS)² alumni and 106 current students will attend a celebration on campus today from 1 to 4 p.m. that includes an address by Sizer and a panel discussion by alumni and a Washington, D.C. , teacher who has encouraged many students to apply to the program. Journalists are welcome to attend or to visit classes and interview alumni this month.

A 1995 graduate of the program, Kristina Halona of Window Rock, Ariz., is typical of (MS)² graduates who say they had the talent and the desire to pursue science, but they did not have the preparation. (MS)² provided that. The first Navajo woman to graduate from the aerospace engineering program at Arizona State University, she is currently working in satellite engineering development at Spaceworks in Carefree, Ariz., and she is eager to begin graduate study. "(MS)² is one of those experiences you never forget," she said. "I was challenged every day. Everyday you get lots of homework, and they teach you how to take this on," she said. "All this helped me do better in college. Without this training, I don’t think I would have been able to do the work in college."

Halona has been instrumental in getting a number of other students from her reservation to apply and be accepted to (MS)². She is also active as a board member in the American Indian Science and Engineering Society in Albuquerque, N.M. The society encourages Native American youngsters to pursue math and science.

"With the support of foundations and corporations as well as Phillips Academy alumni, (MS)² is addressing a critical need for better opportunities for bright, motivated students of color who otherwise would not get adequate preparation in math and science," said(MS)² Director Temba Maqubela. "But more needs to be done to address needs nationally," he said. "Last year, we turned away 170 students for lack of space. The (MS)² program could be adopted at leading high schools and colleges across the country. Innovative solutions such as this are needed to provide better access to excellent education."

For journalists interested in reporting about (MS)² , complete background information is available on course work, funding, admission requirements as well as a data base of all colleges attended by graduates as well as contact and career information.

The (MS)² program runs on campus his summer through graduation on July 30.

Beginning its 225-year, Phillips Academy, better known as Andover, is an independent coeducational high school of 1,070 students, known for its rigorous academics and for a diverse student and teaching community. Located in Andover, Mass., 25 miles north of Boston, notable alumni include former Pres. George Bush, President George W. Bush, U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, D., R.I.; U.S. Sen. Lincoln D. Chafee, R., R.I. and New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick.

Facts about (MS)2