Police Help Form Math And Science Club For West Side Kids
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Some Chicago police officers have become involved in an effort on the West Side to spark interest in math and science among children, and in the process have improved relations with the community.
Police in the Austin District have formed a Math and Science Club, and get together every Tuesday with youngsters from the neighborhood to help them learn something new.
Police Sgt. Jennifer Fowler said, in previous weeks, a veterinarian and a horticulturist have spoken with the children.
On Tuesday, science teacher Lisa Nathaus had children doing engineering; by designing and building their own towers out of straws and pipe cleaners.
Barbara Beasley's daughter and three grandchildren have taken part in the program, she said they're very excited about going to the club get-together.
"Since I've been bringing them, they've been really wanting to come, and do things, and something else to teach them another way," she said.
Beasley said the venture gets kids into math and science and also paints police in a different light.
"Most kids are fearful of the police, because they watch and they hear about what's going on. I think it's good to see a different side of the police than the negative," Beasley said.
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Fowler said the program is working, and she'd like to see it spread.
"They see the police as a friend, instead of … someone that they're maybe not as friendly with, or maybe even scared of," she said. "They know us, and they'll even hug us when we come in. You know, it's nice. It's a very positive experience."
Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin (D-1st) called the program a "win-win" for the Chicago Police Department and the Austin community.
"I think it builds the trust with the community at a very early age," he said.
Deputy Police Supt. Dean Andrew said he loves how the club is coming along.
"Police officers are just as human as everyone else. We're not often portrayed that way, but we are. We have the same concerns; we have the same interests; and to see the younger generation of kids interact with the police in such a positive manner, it really is a wonderful thing," he said.
The Math and Science Club is open to children ages 6-15, and meets each week at the Genesis on the Avenue Community Center at 5811 W. Chicago Avenue.
