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Obama launches 'take your child to the lab' week

Posted at 9:44 AM, Feb 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-28 12:44:57-05

President Barack Obama is launching a version of "take your child to work day" that's focused on America's science laboratories instead of corporate workspaces.

It's part of Obama's effort to encourage young people, especially girls and minorities, to pursue careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

More than 50 national labs in 20 states are opening their doors this week to approximately 5,000 elementary, middle and high school students. The goal is to help spark interest by exposing them to the scientists, engineers and lab employees who carry out important work and research at facilities in their communities.

At the White House on Monday, elementary school students from Baltimore and the District of Columbia are expected to participate in a science fair-styled event.