First African-American to walk in space visits the Curley School

BOSTON - Former U.S. Astronaut Bernard Harris visited the Curley K-8 School in Jamaica Plain today to talk to students and teachers about science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Dr. Harris, the first African-American to walk in space, is visiting middle schools throughout the country as part of The Dream Tour, presented by ExxonMobil.

Northeastern University arranged for The Dream Tour to visit the Curley through Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s Step UP initiative, a partnership between the five largest universities in Boston and 10 Boston Public Schools. Mayor Menino attended the event to welcome Dr. Harris to Boston.

The Dream Tour is designed to help middle school students reach their potential through the power of strong math and science programs and provide improved tools for teachers to deliver more engaging classroom activities.
The program included an interactive and inspirational program by Dr. Harris, a demonstration on space and engaging dialogue about achieving goals. Additionally, an interactive Web site, enhanced curricula and scholarships were offered as part of the tour.

“America’s students have incredible opportunities in careers that haven’t even been created yet. The Dream Tour is one way to open their eyes to the limitless possibilities they have in their hands as long as math and science education is part of the equation,” said Dr. Harris.

From humble beginnings in San Antonio to making history as the first African- American to walk in space, Dr. Harris is a living example of achieving high aspirations. His story provides a powerful backdrop to bring his “Dream Tour” to students in cities across America including San Antonio, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Dallas, Washington, DC, New York City, Boston and Los Angeles.

“ExxonMobil is focused on the need to attract more of America’s students to higher level math and science courses in secondary school. The classes they choose today can make or break their options for the future, and The Dream Tour, presented by ExxonMobil, is one way to expose them to the possibilities,” said Gerald McElvy, President, ExxonMobil Foundation.

For more information about the Dream Tour or Dr. Harris, please visit www.theharrisfoundation.org.

For more information about ExxonMobil’s community partnerships, visit www.exxonmobil.com/community.

Pictured here, Dr. Harris (right) gives seventh grade students Xavier Wooten (left) and Isabella Dos Santos (center) a chance to experience the seats in a space shuttle.