Welcome to the Aspirnaut Initiative!

Last updated on September 04th, 2009

A Pilot Educational Initiative to Elevate the Mathematics and Science Achievement of Rural Community K-12 Students Who Commute on Long Bus Rides to School

The Aspirnaut™

An Aspirnaut™ (as'-per-not) is a student who aspires, seeks, and achieves.

The Challenge

America’s global pre-eminence in science and technology is at risk. For the first time in generations, our children could face poorer prospects than did their parents and grandparents. Student performance in science and mathematics lags behind that of many countries, and our school system holds back high-ability students—a vital talent pool for mathematics, science, and engineering. In rural areas, school consolidation has created long, idle bus rides and loss of community involvement in education. These challenges place rural students at a greater academic disadvantage than their urban and suburban peers.

The challenge is to elevate mathematics & science achievement of underserved rural students

The Solution

This pilot program spans three years and seven objectives. These are to establish:

  • A Differentiated Program for High-Ability Students
  • A One-Room Satellite School in the Community
  • The Concept of “School-Begins-on-the-Bus”
  • Teaching Awards
  • A Professional Development Program for Secondary School Teachers
  • College and Secondary School Scholarships
  • A Non-Profit Organization to Secure and Administer Funds