POTSDAM -- Clarkson University has been awarded $1,306,910 by the New York State Education Department for continuation of Clarkson's grade 7-12 educational outreach program, IMPETUS.

IMPETUS stands for Integrated Math and Physics for Entry to Undergraduate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, according to Clarkson.

Approximately 150 students from 11 local school districts participate annually. The participating districts are Gouverneur, Heuvelton, Colton-Pierrepont, Madrid-Waddington, Harrisville, Brasher Falls, Potsdam, Norwood-Norfolk, Herman-DeKalb, Malone and Ogdensburg.

The five-year funding provides college and career readiness opportunities to economically disadvantaged students in grades 7 through 12.

The key components of the IMPETUS program include an afterschool program, monthly visits to the Clarkson campus, mentoring and tutoring services, a statewide research competition, and a summer roller coaster day camp.