Florida Goes to New Heights for Education: Funds $1/2 Million Contract to Plan Governors School

MELBOURNE, FLA. — A $500,000 contract was funded by the State of Florida Department of Education for a joint initiative between Florida Institute of
Technology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Florida State University. The funding, approved in the state’s 2007 legislative session, will support
planning for the establishment of a Governor’s School for Science, Mathematics and Space Technology at or near Kennedy Space Center (KSC).

The project is an outgrowth of the Joint Institute for Space Exploration and Research, established by the three universities and announced in October 2006.

Thad Altman, chair of the House Innovation Appropriation Committee, and Florida Senator Steve Wise, chair of the Senate Education Appropriation Committee,
led the effort to obtain the funding. “We are all delighted to have achieved this initial start to what we believe will become a model of education
leadership for Florida,” said Altman.

The mission of the school, for grades 9-12, is to provide advanced educational opportunities in the areas of science, biology, mathematics, engineering and
technology in a residential setting. Also, it will provide teachers summer professional development opportunities in these subject areas. “This two-fold
mission will offer an amazing educational opportunity for students and teachers from all over the state to enrich their studies in a unique and stimulating
setting,” said Wise. There are 17 such Governor’s Schools throughout the country.

David Cook, head of the Florida Tech Department of Science and Math Education, will coordinate the effort. “I am proud to be part of a project that
promises to offer advanced learning opportunities to some of our state’s best and brightest young people,” he said.
Steven Pfeiffer, professor and director of clinical training, College of Education, will coordinate planning at FSU and Michael Hickey, professor and
associate dean, College of Arts & Sciences, will lead at Embry Riddle.

2008 Summer Academy at Kennedy Space Center
Though still in its planning stage, the Florida Governor’s School for Science,
Mathematics and Space Technology will provide selected rising 10th-12th grade gifted students with the opportunity to participate in a residential academy
at Kennedy Space Center. Students may choose a June 1-6 session or a June 29-July 4 session. The Summer Academy is a collaboration among the coordinating
universities, NASA, Space Florida and Delaware North Parks and Recreation Inc.

The 2008 Summer Academy is offered at no cost to Florida students recommended by gifted program coordinators at their schools. For more information, send
e-mail to flgovschool@comcast.net.