Seventeen predominately underprivileged and minority high schools participated in the third annual Boat Regatta competition in the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center Natatorium. More than 100 teens in ninth through 12 grade participated in the race using physics, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and engineering to keep their cardboard and duct tape boats above the water for 160 feet. Incentives for the high school students consisted of cash prizes, plaques and pizza parties. The first place winners were awarded $600, a plaque and a pizza party. There was also the option of being awarded $100 and a plaque for Most Unique Design. The event is sponsored by the Houston-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation for UH’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics since H-LSAMP involvement with the University minorities receiving undergraduate degrees in science and engineering has increased by 50 percent.
