About Us: Message from the Chair

iPRAXIS is entering an exciting phase in its growth. In just a few short years, we have made a mark in advancing the cause of science education and entrepreneurship for underrepresented communities in the Greater Philadelphia area.

Our Science Fair at the Henry C. Lea School in West Philadelphia was the most successful ever. Over 90 students participated in the fair that was attended by more than 200 parents, teachers and fellow students. Our Scienteers participated in the judging of three other science fairs at Penn Alexander School, Folk Arts Cultural Treasures Charter School (FACTS), and the 29th Annual George Washington Carver Science Fair.

iPRAXIS’ annual fundraising and awards banquet, iFUNCTION 2008, hosted almost 300 science fair winners, parents, teachers, fellow students, Scienteers, and leading scientists. All heard Dr. Derrick Pitts extol the virtues and rewards of early science training.

In November, iPRAXIS is organizing bench2BUSINESS 2008, a conference designed to engage people of color, particularly African, Latino, and Native Americans, in bioscience entrepreneurship. bench2BUSINESS is the first conference in the region seeking to actively recruit people of color into the ranks of bioscience entrepreneurs. The conference includes an awards banquet honoring two scientist/entrepreneurs of color who are making significant contributions to the commercialization of life science technology.

In Spring 2009, iPRAXIS will expand to hosting two middle school science fairs involving 180 students and 60 Scienteers, followed by iFUNCTION 2009 where science fair winners will again be honored with specially designed medals and lab coats.

Our tremendous success since the birth of iPRAXIS in 2003 can be attributed to a dedicated corps of staff and volunteers and the generous support of our partners and sponsors.

We deeply appreciate your commitment.

Sincerely,

Jeremiah J. White
Chair, iPRAXIS