PHILADELPHIA--(September 20, 2010) – iPraxis, a nonprofit organization that focuses on attracting and involving people of color in science exploration at early ages and increasing the participation of minorities in the business of science, has moved into the University City Science Center’s Port business incubator.
“In its new home, iPraxis will be surrounded by the entrepreneurs and scientists it relies on to achieve its goals of improving science education for underserved students, increasing the participation of minorities in the business of science, and guaranteeing that scientific breakthroughs benefit everyone, ” says iPraxis Founder and Vice-chair Jeremiah White. “By working with iPraxis, we’re able to help improve science education in city schools and classrooms and demonstrate our commitment to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education,” says Stephen S. Tang, Ph.D., president & CEO of the Science Center. “We are pleased that iPraxis has decided to join the community of entrepreneurs and innovators at the Port.”
The Science Center has been a longtime supporter of iPraxis, most recently hosting its bench2BUSINESS program in December 2009. The seminar was designed for aspiring and established scientists and entrepreneurs of color who want to learn the essentials of starting a bioscience venture. The Science Center has also supported iFunction, an annual awards ceremony recognizing student science fair winners and scientist mentors.
iPraxis organizes several other events to engage students, teachers, scientists, and other professionals including Project iNSPIRE designed to excite students about the promise science offers to address to the problems we face in the 21st century.
About the Science Center The University City Science Center accelerates technology commercialization, regional economic development, and the market availability of life-enhancing scientific breakthroughs by bringing together innovations, scientists, entrepreneurs, funding, laboratory facilities, and business services. Established in 1963 and headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, the Science Center was the first, and remains the largest, urban research park in the United States. Graduate organizations and current residents of the University City Science Center’s Port business incubators have created more than 15,000 jobs that remain in the Greater Philadelphia region today and contribute more than $9 billion to the regional economy annually. For more information about the Science Center, go to www.sciencecenter.org.
