Praises Immersion Learning Program

NEW HAVEN, CT – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) today visited and toured the Immersion Learning Program and the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley. She was joined by Dr. Robert Ballard, who discovered the R.M.S. Titanic in 1985, Dr. Stephen Coan, President and CEO, Sea Research Foundation, and Jack Ribas, Executive Director of the Boys' and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

Congresswoman DeLauro observed children participating in Immersion Program activities, which was founded by Dr. Ballard and Dr. Coan in 2003. Part of the Sea Research Foundation, this program has enriched the lives of hundreds of children, encouraging children's interest in science and technology through hands-on projects, participation in on-going research projects, and an engaging website.

Dr. Ballard and Dr. Coan gave a presentation highlighting the Immersion Program's success, and Jack Ribas of the Boy & Girls Club spoke about how the program fits their mission of enabling all young people, especially those most in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

Congresswoman DeLauro said, "The Immersion Learning program not only helps mold future scientists and mathematicians. It forges future leaders. The boys and girls who take part in this program learn critical individual and team skills that will enhance and embolden them as they move forward in life. And, thanks to educational opportunities like Immersion Learning, these kids will have been instilled with an interest in, and hopefully a passion for, science and technology. This will serve them – and all of us – well in the days, years, and decades ahead."

Congresswoman DeLauro has helped to secure funding for the Immersion Learning Program through the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations for the last three years, with $282,000 for 2008, $200,000 for 2009, and $100,000 for next year.