The
Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Technical Association was founded in 1976 by
a group of African American individuals who were dynamic in the sciences,
mathematics, engineering, and technology fields but were excluded from
membership in the majority professional organizations.
The primary
goals of the NTA are:
To encourage minority youth to
pursue careers in technical areas which will enable them to become
successful doctors, scientists and other technical professionals.
To aid in the professional
development of its members.
To provide an outlet for minority
technical professionals to broaden its network.
These goals
were accomplished through several programs serving students in grades 3 through
12 in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, such as the Benjamin Banneker Mathematics
Competition, the Charles Drew Science Fair and the Elementary Science Program.
At its peak,
the Chapter boasted over 70 active members who participated in running the
various programs. Currently, we have five members who strive to maintain a
viable chapter.
Feature Program
The
Pittsburgh Chapter annually co-sponsors the Charles Drew Science Fair in
conjunction with the Urban Youth Action and The Black Faculty and Staff of CMU.
This exciting event is open to all students in grades 6 through 12. Community
volunteers and members view and listen as the students explain their projects
and defend their hypotheses. During the awards ceremony which immediately
follows the judging, the top three finishers in each grade level receive
monetary awards and plaques. All participants receive certificates of
participation. The event is
traditionally held the first Saturday in March.
2011 Charles Drew
Science Fair
The 28th
Annual Charles Drew Science Fair, held on March 5, 2011, was a huge
success. Projects were submitted by
fifty-three students in grades 6 though 9 and 11 from ten schools in the Pittsburgh area. A vast
array of sciences were covered, such as biology, botany, meteorology, chemistry
and physics. The students were given words of wisdom and encouragement by the
keynote speaker, Ms. Naomi Moye, during the awards ceremony.
Image:
Photo 1: 7th grader enthusiastically explains his project on weather
Photo 2: Judges question 6th grader on her project about teeth
staining
