Whitman College receives grants to expand local science fair and basketball clinics

Whitman’s science fair is on. So is Whitman’s fall basketball camp. And that’s great news for Walla Walla’s youth.

Thanks in part to generous grants from the George T. Welch Trust, the second annual Whitman Science Fair will take place in early March, 2013, and Whitman’s “Together We Can” leadership basketball camps and clinics will start this fall.

Last year’s inaugural science fair was a success, despite the small size of the program (12 students participated from local middle schools). However, thanks to the grant, Whitman will be able to expand the size and reach of the program, and open the fair to students in grades 6-12 in the Walla Walla Valley.

Whitman began organizing the science fair as part of an effort to provide more opportunities for local middle and high school students to learn about the scientific process.

“Whitman College is committed to promoting the importance of science education and in instilling a love of discovery in area youth,” said Mary Burt, Whitman’s science outreach coordinator, who conceived and organized last year’s project.

“We want all students, regardless of income or level of parental involvement, to be able to experience the excitement of hands-on science. With the help of the George Welch Trust, and the support of area science teachers, we aim to develop a community science fair that will educate and inspire families throughout the Walla Walla Valley,” Burt said.

The George T. Welch Trust is a local trust supporting community initiatives, scholarships for Walla Walla area students and grants to help those in need meet medical costs. For decades, the Trust has made these investments that improve the quality of life in the Valley. Whitman has been a long-time beneficiary of the generosity of the Trust.

For aspiring hoopsters, this year Whitman’s annual “Together We Can” Basketball Fall Shooting Clinics will be offered without the $75 registration fee.

“Thanks to the George T. Welch Testamentary Trust, we have the chance to continue working with children in our community, regardless of their socio-economic background,” said Eric Bridgeland, head men’s basketball coach at Whitman. “We are honored by their support and are proud to provide this opportunity for Walla Walla’s kids.”

Bridgeland helped establish “Together We Can” in 2008 when he arrived in Walla Walla. Since then, he and his staff have partnered with local sponsors each year in providing year-round camps and clinics.

To register for the shooting clinics, parents can contact assistant coach Bryce Douglas at douglabb@whitman.edu.