The Bridge Builder Mentoring Program is in its sixth year of existence under an arrangement between the George B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy (Saturday School) and Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated. The program encompasses academic, leadership, and self-confidence/esteem components and is one of the flagship programs for Mu Nu Chapter. The topics of discussion for the March 19, 2022, Bridge Builder “Virtual” Mentor Program session focused on Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (STEM) education.
The session included a presentation by Mu Nu Chapter Bro. Dr. Ronald H. Freeman (1969-Xi Tau), Vice-Chairman of Space Operations Technical Committee in American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, who shared with students the American Space Program 40-Year Plan to launch deep space missions to Mars using the moon as its home base.
The program allowed students to obtain an understanding of what STEM education is and how it is applied in everyday life. Mentees learned how the Founder of the National Society of Black Engineers, Mr. Tony Harris, formed the organization in 1975, on the campus of Purdue University, with five other students known as the “Chicago Six.” Students also learned that Mr. Harris, who grew up on the southside of Chicago, and who had never taken a calculus class in high school, persevered in his pursuit of becoming an engineer.