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Baltimore Third Grader Inspires President Obama's 'Kid Scientists Program'

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—A Baltimore third grader's meeting with the president inspires a call to action for student scientists.

Back in April, at the 6th annual White House Science Fair, 9-year-old Jacob Leggett, who lives in Baltimore, debuted his 3D printer to the President.

During his visit, Jacob suggested to the President that have a "kid science advisor".

The president loved the idea so much that he's suggests bringing together a group of kids to share their thoughts on what they think is important in science, technology and innovation.

White House official say kids know first-hand what's working inside and outside of their classrooms and how to better engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.

Calling all kid scientists! by The Obama White House on YouTube

"One of the things I find so inspiring about these young thinkers is that they look at all these seemingly intractable problems as something that we can solve," said Obama. "There is a confidence when you are pursuing science. They don't consider age a barrier. They don't think, well, that's just the way things are. They're not afraid to try things and ask tough questions."

Jacob goes to school here in Baltimore and lives in the Sandtown community.

The president is asking students to fill out a form on the White House website to share their ideas on science.

The same day Jacob pitched his idea to the president, the Department of Education released federal guidelines on how to increase Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education.

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