TO IMPROVE THE LEVEL OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND
COMPETENCE IN K-12 SCHOOLS:
We believe that an important element for improving the level of science and
mathematics understanding is to generate in students the desire to learn and
understand the technical principles of how things work. We feel that increased
interest in science can be encouraged by knowledgeable and enthusiastic
teachers who can make the subject matter relevant and understandable. We wish
to identify such teachers and provide them with opportunities to renew or
advance their knowledge and enthusiasm. Our interest is in preparing students
for success in technical fields that require a strong understanding of and
competence in advanced mathematics and science. Our focus is on the improvement
of the teachers' academic and technical skills with hands-on learning
experiences in science and mathematics.
TO DEVELOP AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR IMPROVEMENT
OF TEACHERS' TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE:
We work with educational institutions and other non-profit organizations to
develop educational programs in science and technology which are aimed at
improving the scientific and technical understanding and skills of K-12 school
teachers. We especially encourage programs which have a laboratory or
experimental component which can be implemented in classroom teaching.
We are interested in developing and supporting workshops and summer courses
which provide elementary through high school teachers with hands on learning of
mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles. We encourage programs
which last a few days to a week and are of an introductory to intermediate
level. Our major goal is to provide a better understanding of the application
of scientific principles to daily problems, and to provide teachers with ideas
and examples they can use in their classroom instruction.
We are particularly interested in developing or supporting innovative programs for elementary and middle school teachers of mathematics and science. Such programs should help reinforce the native curiosity of children and direct that curiosity to learning how to find answers to how and why things happen. If you have ideas and proposals for such programs, please send proposals to:
The Mikkelson Foundation
P.O. Box 768
Monument, CO 80132-0768
TO SUPPORT PROMISING STUDENTS STUDYING IN
TECHNICAL FIELDS:
We provide scholarships for highly qualified students studying science,
mathematics, and engineering.
In 2012 we will provide two $3000 scholarships for graduating seniors planning
to study engineering, mathematics, and/or science. These scholarships are
renewable for up to four years of study at accredited colleges and
universities. Follow the link 2012 High School
Scholarship Fund Information for information and applications.