December 7, 2001

Media Contact: Michael Dabney, (858) 822-3432

Briana Alvarez (left) of San Diego High School, and Angelica Riestra of Gompers Secondary School collect their thoughts before being interviewed recently on the set of San Diego's Eyes On Teens television program. The students discussed their successful participation in UCSD's science enrichment outreach program called CHUM (Consortitum of High Schools/Undergraduate and Medical Schools). The program exposes students in grades 7 through 12 to a wide range of scientific endeavors, including laboratory experiences and mentoring with UCSD scientists, to increase interest and participation in science among students at targeted schools and to enhance students'critical thinking skills.

Briana and Angelica, who are among the program's top performing students, spoke of how CHUM is successfully preparing them for college admission and for careers in science. Eyes On Teens host C. J. Stangl (left, foreground) also spoke with CHUM program director Park Trefts, Ph.D. (left) and Estralita Martin, Ph.D., San Diego State University's assistant dean of Student Services in College of Sciences, who serves as a CHUM educator.

Eyes On Teens is a weekly community affairs program for youths airing on Cox Cable and Time Warner Cable stations. The program, co-produced and hosted by area teens, is sponsored by Pazzaz, Inc., an educational enrichment resource in Southeast San Diego.