Obama Encouraging Young People To Learn Math, Science

WASHINGTON (WJZ) -- A group of Baltimore City fifth graders spent the day at the White House after being invited to learn more about careers with a science background.

Marcus Washington has more on how students at Sinclair Elementary School received the invitation.

The invitation came with the help of a former teacher. This is all part of the first national week at the labs, focusing on careers that deal with science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

To be invited to the White House is a big deal and for a group of Baltimore City fifth graders, they had the honor.

"From a scale of one to 100, I was 1,000," said student Joy Brown.

Brown is just one of the 17 students from the city school that is learning about federal and White House jobs that require a background in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.

"Believe in yourself," Brown said. "And I learned a lot about science and math so far."

This is the first year for the national week at the labs.

The principal at Sinclair Elementary says the opportunity is great for the students, especially kids from Baltimore City.

"Oftentimes, they may not get the direct experience that our children are getting. Through our children's eyes, we hope to enlighten other children and possibly open doors so that other children can have this exploration opportunity, as well," said principal Roxanne Thorn-Lumpkins.

This experience is certainly an opportunity that students will not forget as they are exposed to a new world and new careers.

"This gives the students an opportunity to explore some of the avenues that can go into as they are currently learning about math, science and careers," Thorn-Lumpkins said.

Giving the student an insight or opportunity to explore different careers and motivates students as they get back to school with their math and science courses.

While it's not set in stone, the principal hopes students each year will get to go to the White House and learn about STEM.

This week, more than 50 national labs across the federal system in more than 20 states will open their facilities to thousands of school kids.