Morehouse School of Medicine
Ben Carson Science Academy
Dr. Ben Carson has dedicated his life
to inspiring others to excel by using their God-given talents. He was
born in Detroit, Michigan where his childhood journey was filled with
poverty. He struggled with poor grades and a violent temper. After his
mother, who only had a third-grade education, challenged him to strive
for excellence, Ben rose from the bottom to the top of his class. His
achievements earned him academic scholarships to college and medical
school.
Today, Dr. Carson is director of pediatric neurosurgery at The Johns
Hopkins Medical Institutions in Baltimore, Maryland. He is world-renowned
for leading a medical team that separated West German conjoined twins
in 1987, as well as leading a team of South African doctors in the first
successful separation of vertically conjoined twins in 1997. He has
refined the techniques for hemispherectomy, a radical brain surgery
to stop intractable seizures, and has developed, along with the Hopkins
plastic surgery division, a craniofacial program to help children who
need combined neurosurgical and plastic surgical reconstruction. Dr.
Carson’s remarkable story is told in his first book, Gifted
Hands. THINK BIG, his second book, encourages others to
develop their intellectual potential. His latest book, The Big Picture,
offers an up-close look at a professional surgeon’s life -- and
his unique perspective on priorities, race, society, success, and living
out a life of faith in a complex world. He travels globally to share
his knowledge and philosophy with the hope of inspiring people of all
ages and educational backgrounds to be -- and do -- their best! His
life story is the inspiration behind our program! The staff of the Ben
Carson Science Academy considers the participating students leaders
under construction.
The Benjamin Carson Science Academy (BCSA) consists of a summer science camp and a six-week Saturday academy in the fall and spring for students between the 4th and 8th grade. The program is designed to enhance their knowledge in science, mathematics, health, and communications skills.
The students also have an opportunity to explore health careers, participate in educational field trips, and participate in recreational activities. Students are recruited for the program after completion of the third grade and continue until they complete the eight grade.
the academy coursework includes an:
-
overview of African and African-American contributions to medicine, science and mathematics.
- analysis of cultural and social awareness.
- adventure in attitudes and an opportunity to build self-esteem.
- opportunity to experience and explore scientific concepts within an environment that is supportive and challenging.
- entrance into an educational pipeline that extends from primary through post-secondary education
cultural activities include:
-
capoiera
- African dance
- art
- chess
- kiswahili
- gymnastics
program offerings:
-
science fair project development
- special science interest presentations
- exciting classroom activities
- laboratory activities
- educational field trips
- motivational speakers
CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION
Elementary Division
The students must:
- have earned a C+ to B average
- be a candidate for promotion to the 4th or 5th grade (applicable to the summer academy)
- be regular in school attendance
- have demonstrated academic potential
- have an aptitude and interest in science
- be recommended by a teacher
- submit a short essay on why he/she wants to participate in the program
Middle School Division
The students must:
- have earned a B average
- be a candidate for promotion to the 6th, 7th or 8th grade (applicable to the summer academy)
- be regular in school attendance
- have demonstrated academic potential
- have an aptitude and interest in science
- submit two letters of recommendation from educational officials form the school (one must be from a science teacher)
- submit a short essay on why he/she wants to participate in the program
