In today’s ED Week commentary new NMSI President, Sara Martinez Tucker, shines a light on the problems the nation is facing in education. She uses the success of Rudy Davis, former A+ College Ready AP student at Minor High School, as an example of how STEM learning can help us grow as a nation in today’s learning environment.
Rudy Davis, an African American student raised by his grandmother, is currently at Auburn University, majoring in Biomedical Sciences. Rudy was a high school sophomore when Minor High School became a participant in the APTIP program. Prior to participating in the program, there were few Advanced Placement courses offered at Minor. Because of the expansion of AP courses at his school, Rudy enrolled in three AP courses during his junior year and five AP courses during his senior year. During December of his senior year, the rigor associated with his Advanced Placement courses contributed to a significant rise in his ACT test score. His ACT score increased to a 31 – up from a 25 in his sophomore year – and he was ranked in the 99 percentile in math and science. Rudy was ultimately offered over two million dollars in college scholarships and was named a Gates Millennium Scholar. He was one of two students that spoke at a Congressional briefing on Capitol Hill focused on how to improve science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. When asked how the APTIP program helped to prepare him for college, Rudy said: “This program showed me that I had what it takes to get into college and do well.
At A+ College Ready we agree with the new NMSI President’s statement, “we must work together now to regain our competitive edge and ensure that all students have the opportunity to prosper in a global economy.” (ED Week.org) With continued support from the State Department of Education as well as private corporations and foundations – this program will continue to grow, paving the way for more Alabama students to enjoy future careers in math and science and become the future thought leaders of this state and of the nation.
