College administrators at Southern Polytechnic State University outside Atlanta, GA originated the concept of GYSTC. After carefully reviewing the types of efforts being made across the country to improve math and science education, several things became apparent:

* Programs would only work if they were area autonomous - what was needed in one geographic location might not be needed in another - even within one state

* Adequate funding and support would require a strong partnership among education, government and business leadership at the local and state level

* High school was too late to focus on encouraging interest and enthusiasm in math, science and the technologies - there was a need for special support at the elementary and middle school level, both for students and teachers

GYSTC was founded in April, 1989 and the first regional Center opened in 1990. The concept was very popular and, by late 1997, the thirteen current Centers were in operation. Each Center has its own Board of Directors involving more than 300 local business, education and government leaders. Nine of the Centers are located on college campuses. Since the first Center opening more than 1.6 million students, teachers, parents, school administrators and others have participated in GYSTC conducted or sponsored programs.