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GREENSBURG, PA- ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ College recently received a grant totaling $8,700 from the Alcoa Foundation to expand the College's science outreach program, Science Quest. The funds will enhance the program and provide scholarship assistance for middle school age young women to attend the summer program. "As a facility dedicated to the global exchange of scientific knowledge, Alcoa Technical Center through Alcoa Foundation is pleased to provide additional opportunities for young women to become exposed to and involved in science," said Lori Gallagher, Communication Manager, Alcoa Technology. "Science education is a core component of the programs that we strive to implement within our communities and we know that reaching young women at an early age is crucial to getting them to pursue scientific careers." Science Quest, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ's premiere science outreach program, is designed to reach young women beginning in the crucial middle school years before they lose interest in the scientific fields. A week long summer residential experience for girls entering seventh, eighth and ninth grade, Science Quest provides the one-on-one introduction to the natural, physical, mathematical and computer sciences essential to the development of future women scientists. With strong role modeling from ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ College faculty and mentoring students, Science Quest provides bright young women with opportunities for academic challenge, personal growth and the development of skills necessary to be successful in the scientific fields. Over 200 young women have already participated in the program, which completed its eighth residency last summer. "We are pleased that the Alcoa Foundation has made science a priority for middle school girls through its support for the Science Quest program," President JoAnne Boyle said. "Together, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ College and the Alcoa Foundation will enhance and expand the reach of a program that is already proving to be of immense benefit to young women and the future of this region."