• Our main challenge this year and every year is getting applications into the hands of the students and teachers whom we want to apply to our programs. We have developed an extensive database that includes all science teachers in the Cincinnati area. We update this database annually before we send out application materials for all programs. We find that mailing information to teachers at home and directly to students works better. We also include in our mailings guidance and college counselors, all teachers who have written recommendations for past applicants, community individuals and groups that have direct contact with students and teachers, and, of course, all students and teachers who have requested information. We have increased our presence on the Internet with online information, pictures, and applications. We are constantly trying to improve our distribution methods and media coverage. We are planning to produce a poster for distribution to schools and will try again to work with the Teachers Union to disseminate information. We have no problem with retention, but we do have recruitment problems related to dissemination of information. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
• A second challenge is getting science teachers to apply to the Teachers' Initiative. Applications for that program were down for summer 2004 and we are not sure why. We asked the participating teachers and our Peer Evaluation Cluster for suggestions. One thing that was suggested was to put the information in publications from the Central Office to all Cincinnati Public School teachers. Another suggestion was develop a poster featuring all of our HHMI programs to send to all schools for posting. Another suggestion was to work through the Teachers' Union which we have tried without much success, but we will keep trying. Some of our former teacher participants have developed good connections with the powers that be, so they may be able to help in this effort. We are also considering increasing enticements to the teachers such as offering them the assistance of a graduate student and a supply budget for the year after their participation. Any additional suggestions would be welcomed.
• A third challenge is program evaluation. We have made great strides in this area during the past year due in large part to our participation in the Peer Evaluation Cluster process. We have implemented several new evaluation techniques including pre and post program surveys, journaling, pre and post tests of program participants, and evaluation of student participants during their participation by observation and use of rubrics. We have been very good a collecting longitudinal data, but are improving our formative and summative data collection and evaluation.

• Our program descriptions and application brochures for our HHMI funded programs (and all of our other programs) are online on our website, www.med.uc.edu, click on summer programs.
• Program materials and lesson plans for the Saturday Science Academy and the ExSEL program. We also have photographs of the students in action on CD-ROM
• We have a lot of expertise in program development and outreach programs, especially with high risk and underserved populations.

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