In a special ribbon cutting celebration on October 25, 2012, Link Community School and Novartis US Foundation opened Link’s much anticipated new science lab. Novartis provided the funding for the design and construction of the lab as part of its five-year $300,000 commitment to support science education at Link. The grant from Novartis will also fund enhancements to Link’s science program, including research projects, academic competitions, hands-on experiments and field trips.
Mr. Robert Pelzer, president and head of legal affairs at Novartis Corporation and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Novartis US Foundation, and Mrs. Maria Pilar Paradiso, Link head of school, cut the ribbons to open the lab. Also they unveiled a new sign in the science wing, naming the area in honor of Novartis for their continued support of the school for over twenty years. The ceremony also included welcoming remarks from Mrs. Wendy Lacey, former Link Board chairperson, who was chair when Link received the grant and began construction. 8th grade student Nasir Tobias thanked Mr. Pelzer for the lab and the grant and Mr. Errol LaGuerre, Link’s physical science teacher commented on the impact it will have on science at the school.
Additionally this event inaugurated the Novartis Science Mentoring Program, a program with scientists and researchers from Novartis Group Companies pairing with 10 Link eighth grade students who have exhibited a high level of interest in science – now and perhaps for a future career. The program will take place during the school day, in a special science enrichment class guided by Link science teachers Rosana Chanco and Errol LaGuerre. Mentors will connect with students electronically and in person to provide students with tutoring, advice and encouragement as well as to expose them to science beyond the classroom. The overall aim of the program is to help students learn so they are ready for science in high school and college and to inspire them to consider careers in the science field. It was exciting for the students to meet some of the scientists and researchers who will be their mentors at the ribbon cutting event. The enrichment class is set to formally begin the second week in November, 2012.
Link is grateful for the outstanding commitment and support of Novartis in providing an excellent education to the youth of Newark and the surrounding areas.
Novartis Media Release – Link School Science Program – October 2012
[portfolio_slideshow id=5083]
