The Pacific Science Center will open its doors tomorrow to engineering students and elementary children from Seattle schools.

The 2008 Martin Luther King Jr. Math and Science Celebration takes place before the actual day of service and aims to pair college students with fourth- and fifth-graders in an effort to mentor elementary students on the importance of math, science and Dr. King’s legacy on the civil rights movement.

“The event is about celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr., but it’s also about celebrating education and mentorship,” said Rahel Gebreab, program coordinator for the event, which occurs in January. “The concept we’re rallying around is giving back to the community, and more specifically giving back to the kids in the community.”

This year 450 fourth graders, and between 20-25 UW students are expected to attend the program.

Students from the University not only serve as tour guides, but also as mentors and role models who work directly with the children, sharing their own college backgrounds in order to hopefully inspire the children to further their education.

Volunteers are always welcome, Gebreab said, and anyone interested in signing up should contact her directly.

In addition to touring the exhibits and being treated to a laser show, the children meet with several guest speakers.

The speakers are usually chosen by the event’s sponsor, Microsoft, but have occasionally been selected by the University. Speakers consist of both professionals working in science and engineering fields, and University graduate students.

Scott Minix, assistant director of facilities for the City of Seattle and guest speaker for the event, said he would be focusing on the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Minix said the event is “a way we can link history to the present to motivate kids today [with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s] vision … his dream, and how it relates to kids’ visions and dreams.”

The event is coordinated by Seattle Public Schools, UW Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), and the Pacific Science Center. It will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

[Reach reporter Julian Martin at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]