STEM classes will be making their way to all the elementary schools thanks to a grant for $200,000 obtained by the Warren County School System.
“We have the program at the middle school and this grant allows us to expose all students to the same training,” said Director of Schools Bobby Cox. “The program at the middle school is going great and allows students more hands-on learning and is really what led us to apply for the grant.”
The county Financial Management Committee and county Budget and Finance Committee unanimously approved two bids: 1) Manufacturing/ STEM laboratory storage and transportation unit from Learning Labs Inc. for $18,630; 2) Manufacturing/ STEM equipment from Learning Labs Inc. for $88,145.
Stem (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education is active and focuses on a student-centered learning environment. Students engage in questioning, problem solving, collaboration, and hands-on activities while they address real life issues. In STEM education, teachers function as class facilitators.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, all STEM jobs in the U.S. will increase 14 percent from 2010-2020, accounting for millions of positions. However, data shows 3 million of those jobs will go unfilled by 2018.
One reason for that is not enough students seriously consider a career in STEM. Only 16 percent of American high school seniors are proficient in mathematics and interested in a STEM career.
In order to increase the number of high school students interested in STEM subjects, grants are being made available to provide STEM in elementary schools.