STAF 

     As a continuing effort by the African Scientific Institute, its Science and Technology Awareness Fair (STAF) was brought to the public in 2001. The year 2001 brought hope, excitement, challenges and an awareness of what true commitment to quality mathematical and scientific education was, is and can be for children of color. Thank you for your participation in the over the course of 10 years we have presented this two-day fair. Your continued presence has reached over 34,000 students! What a tremendous impact to public school children who were in attendance. Companies, institutions, agencies and individuals were continuing to join as a team and brought their knowledge of Math and Science to Bay Area students. As you witnessed each year, well over 3,500 children attended this unique event. Children from nine school districts (San Francisco, Oakland, Fremont, Emeryville, Richmond, Berkeley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, and Hayward: grades K - 12) were excited and left the fair with encouragement to expand their own potential as active participants in math,science and technology.

     The STAF Committee sought and received your continued endorsement of this project and hope you will continue to express to your employer and others about the need for a collaborative effort towards attending and continued participation in the Math, Science and Technology Awareness Fair.

     Nationally, we know that children face a critical educational problem. As we entered the year 2001, children were not embracing math, science, biology, chemistry and environmental courses as much as we believed they should, which were and are the gateways to success to new technologies. There remains a gap between industries that use science and technology and the necessary skilled labor required to advance these industries. Prospects for a skilled labor force must come from this generation of children. 
     Our children, motivated by the Math, Science and Technology Awareness Fair, can develop a new vision of science and technology, that lead to the fulfillment of an ever increasing industry's need for a skilled and competent labor force.

     We look forward to your continued support to the African Scientific Institute and its projects such as the Math, Science and Technology Awareness Fair.