University Times

Jan. 29 was the last day of operation for Pitt-Bradford’s mobile science lending library, which provided high-tech science equipment and expertise to 35 rural schools and to home-schooled children.

Funded by the state with the help of private donations, UPB’s popular Science in Motionprogram was one of 11 such programs in Pennsylvania, all of which were cut in the 2009-10 state budget.In addition to the loss to students, teachers and school districts, two full-time positions were eliminated by the closure, said James Baldwin, UPB assistant dean of academic affairs and Science in Motion director.

Since its inception at UPB in 2001, the program had made more than 182,000 student contacts. The value of the labs provided to schools saved districts in the region more than $4 million.

“I am saddened that this program, which had so much potential to support science, technology, engineering and math education, has been cut from the state budget,” Baldwin said. “I hope that other existing programs are capable of filling the void that our termination will create.”