By Ellen H. King
May 12, 2003

At an April 23 Cities United for Science Progress (CUSP) Science in the School Day, Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell and an engineer of DuPont's Old Hickory, TN plant led a classroom of 2nd graders at Tusculum Elementary in a morning of science exploration. Upon learning of the Conference of Mayors and DuPont CUSP partnership, Purcell invited CUSP to his City to assist him in reinforcing the importance of science education. The event, highlighting the mayor's commitment to education, was covered by several local media outlets including a leading Nashville community newspaper and the local NBC and ABC affiliates.

During Nashville's Science in the School Day, Purcell sat side-by'side with some of his youngest residents to conduct the nationally acclaimed elementary engineering experiment, the "Gumdrop Dome." Students learned basic engineering principles and about the possibility of a future career in engineering.

"It's important for students to take an active interest in science," said Purcell. "Success in science keeps our students on track to graduate and helps prepare graduates for a technology-based economy."

DuPont field engineer Cherisse Stevenson put her scientific expertise to work by teaming up with Mayor Purcell to lead her third Science in the School Day. Stevenson, of DuPont's Old Hickory (TN) plant, kicked-off the experiment by sharing her own successful experiences with engineering. Students heard the steps that Stevenson took throughout her education to ensure her success as an engineer.

The DuPont plant, in nearby Old Hickory has a long tradition of community involvement in the Nashville metro area. Larry Jackson, Plant Manager, attended the event to demonstrate his support.

"We are pleased to stand with our partner DuPont in offering educational resources to mayors," noted Conference Executive Director J. Thomas Cochran. "By investing in the education of our youth, we are investing in our future."

CUSP visits cities across the country and teams up with mayors to assist them in creating healthier, safer and more innovative and economically vibrant cities through science-based solutions. Science in the School Day is an initiative of the partnership created to inspire, maintain and expand students- interest in science and engineering. To learn more about the CUSP partnership, please contact CUSP Managing Director Ellen H. King by phone at 202-861-6798 or by e-mail at eking@usmayors.org.