SEMAA was established in 1993 by Cuyahoga Community College and the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field located in Cleveland, Ohio. The program is the result of a vision of Congressman Louis Stokes to increase the participation of under-represented and underserved groups in science, math, engineering, and technology careers; increase success rates of all students interested in science and math; develop partnersips to recognize and support students interested in these fields; and support highly successful students.

SEMAA offers a set of learning experiences for K-12 students to: enable improved participation and success in college preparatory courses and in post-secondary undergraduate science, math, engineering, and technology programs; increase interest and awareness of careers; and impact improvement of parents to ensure the child's future success in these fields.

Since 1998, nine sites have been added across the nation to join the alpha site, Cleveland's Cuyahoga Community College. In 1998, the Dayton and Detroit programs were added. A record seven sites were added in 1999: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Washington D.C., St. Louis, Jamaica (NY), Kirtland, Ohio (this site serves as an extension of the Cleveland program), and Warren County, NC, the first site in rural America. More sites are being added. In January 2002 Winston-Salem State University became another SEMAA and AEL site in North Carolina. In January 2004 Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C. will become the third site in North Carolina.

A national innovative program designed to increase participation and retention of K-12 youth who are underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

"We believe that children, parents/guardians, and teachers are partners in the educational process, and must be respected and appreciated for their individual needs and roles."

Inspire...

Inspire a more diverse student population to pursue careers in the field of science, engineering, mathematics and technology so that no child is left behind.

Engage...

Engage students, teachers and parents by incorporating state-of-the-art technologies.

Challenge...

Provide a challenging curriculum that meets national math, science and technology standards and encompasses all five of the NASA enterprises.