Mayor Slay teams with DuPont to Host Citywide Science in the School Day

Mayor Francis Slay joined with DuPont and The U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) for a Science in the School Day.  Mayor Slay and Dan Cosgrove, Vice President of Biotechnology Business Development for Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, visited Gateway Middle School to assist fourth and fifth grade students in constructing and racing  “puff-mobiles,” which are air-powered vehicles made of everyday materials like straws, lifesavers, paper, scotch tape, and paperclips.

Today’s activity marks the 10^th anniversary of the DuPont and USCM partnership to bring science based solutions to schools. This year’s event is the second largest in the history of the program, with nearly 2,000 fourth and fifth graders from 47 public, private, and charter schools participating in an activity that utilizes the students’ science, critical thinking, and engineering skills. The Mayor and more than 24 DuPont scientists and engineers worked side-by-side with the students to further the students’ understanding about science and engineering.

“I’m thankful that the U.S. Conference of Mayors and DuPont brought back this important program,” said Mayor Slay. “As the chairperson of the USCM Jobs, Education, and Workforce Committee, I understand the value of teaching science, engineering, and math skills. Hopefully we have encouraged these students to develop a love for science and math – and, perhaps, use those skills in a future, successful career.”

"We hope that today’s activities with Mayor Slay and city leaders have inspired some St. Louis schoolchildren to explore careers in science, math, and engineering,” said Dan Cosgrove, Vice President of Biotechnology Business Development for Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. “In order to meet the challenge of competing in our growing world, we will need their bright minds to be ready and willing to take up the task.”

“We are excited to have a partnership that benefits children who are the future of our cities,” said Tom Cochran, executive director of The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “This partnership between the U.S. Conference of Mayors and DuPont serves as a useful tool for teachers, students, and children across the country and helps to revive a much-needed interest in science.”