Speeches - By Date

I = d like to thank these two students for that kind introduction.

These young people remind me that they are often the greatest stewards of our environment B and from what I = ve heard about Lincoln High School, I think that the environment will be in good hands long into the future.

But it is up to caring adults to help show the way. The agreement we sign today is an important part of our efforts to raise the next generation of environmentally aware American citizens who will be ready to turn their knowledge into action.

The President = s Executive Order on Historically Black Colleges and Universities as well as the recent passage of the A No Child Left Behind Act @ demonstrate this Administration = s commitment to educating America = s children, particularly young people from minority and disadvantage backgrounds.

And EPA is proud to be doing its part.

The partnership between EPA, Lincoln University, and Philadelphia Academies will enhance the education and training of students so that we are prepared to meet the environmental challenges of the future.

And it will help us ensure that careers in science are open to every American B regardless of race or ethnicity. From a new environmental science degree program to job fairs, to faculty workshops to hands-on research, to curriculum development to technical assistance B this agreement has it all.

EPA has a long history of partnership with both Lincoln University and Philadelphia Academies and we are happy to build on that success today.

Founded in 1854, Lincoln is a nationally acclaimed institution of higher learning and is also the country = s first historically black university.

The first Philadelphia Academy opened at Edison High School in 1969; now over 19 programs serve an estimated 6,700 students.

We are fortunate that these organizations are helping to pass along the lessons of our experience to the next generation.

In addition to the important work we will do together under the MOU, I am also pleased to present a $50,000 check to Lincoln University for a summer environmental education program that will help develop the leaders of tomorrow.

This summer program will help raise students = awareness and sensitivity to the environment and develop the skills to identify and help resolve environmental challenges.

The work you are doing is so important to the future of our children and our earth. Through your stewardship, our air will be cleaner, our water purer, and our land better protected.

And now I = d like to ask Dr. (Ivory) Nelson to join me for the presentation of the check.