As STEM West celebrates its 8th birthday, I want to thank each and every one of you who has encouraged me, contributed your time, funding, expertise, and pitched in to increase and improve STEM education in our region. When I began this journey, I never imagined all that it has become but now I begin to imagine how it can be!
The power of making real change in the region is achieved through expansion and strengthening of partnerships and networking across as many organizations as possible. As we learn about each others’ resources and expertise, we can leverage what each of us has to offer for the benefits of students. Why? It is the right thing to do! If ethics is not your goal, it is the most economic strategy for the region. Every student “lost” from the workforce is an economic loss for everyone. Each student needs to have access and exposure to STEM careers/skills to realize their abilities and interests that may lead to gratifying careers and entrepreneurial adventures.
I ask you to carefully consider how you can partner with STEM West to grow its impact to insure EACH AND EVERY STUDENT HAS ACCESS TO A HIGH QUALITY STEM EDUCATION!!
STEM Trek 2024, is one way to become involved!! See below….
STEM Trek 2024
Save the date of April 20th from 10:00-2:00 for this free event for all ages. It will be held at the Catawba Science Center West Building. In preparation, STEM businesses/organizations in the region need to register to hold a space to present hands-on activities to introduce our youth to STEM careers in their own backyards! Contact Carol Moore at [email protected] with questions.
EdCamp STEM West 2024
Saturday, January 27th, NCSSM-Morganton hosted the 5th EdCamp STEM West, an “unconference” event attended by 60+ educators from across the region. After networking and brainstorming sessions over a McDonald’s donated breakfast, teachers attended 3 breakout sessions and visited eight exhibitor tables hosted by organizations offering FREE educational resources for the region.
This style of conference recognizes the attendees as the experts in the room. There are no presenters and no speakers. The teachers brainstorm and vote on the sessions they want to attend and begin to share their experiences and ask questions of each other. They leave with access to everyone’s contact information, notes, and resource links on Google Docs.
Participant feedback was very positive and all left with FREE resources and over $2000 in door prizes donated from local businesses! Some of the sessions included: PBL, AI, grant tips, etc.
STEMifying OST
STEM West has received a 3-year grant from Dogwood Health Trust to STEMify the afterschool programs in Polk and Yancey Counties. In year one, each of the districts will receive twelve Discover Class Packs that can serve six classrooms PreK-1. The program provides curriculum with the theme MASTERPIECE, STEAM Parks, Discover sets, Family Discover packs, and student engineering notebooks. In years two and three, class packs for older students will be added. Districts also receive professional development, funding for additional STEM consumables, and stipends for teachers.
Thank you Dogwood Health Trust!!
NEW OPPORTUNITIES for Teachers and Students:
Less than one week left to apply for the summer NIEHS STaRS Experience
Middle and high school science teachers and community college instructors are encouraged to apply for the 2024 NIEHS Science, Teachers, and Research Summer (STaRS) Experience. STaRS 2024 is a two-week professional development program, designed and conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS).
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2024.
To enhance participants’ understanding of basic research in the environmental and biomedical sciences and its applications in biotechnology; and
To enable participants to transfer knowledge received from this program into classroom applications and to better support their students, including those from underserved populations.
The program will be held at NIEHS in Research Triangle Park from Monday, July 8, to Friday, July 19 (excluding Saturday and Sunday), from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. STaRS participants receive a $2,000 stipend to offset costs associated with lodging, meals, transportation and time spent during the program.
Requirements:
Applicants must currently teach science in a middle school, high school or community college;
Applicants must be available for the full two-week program (July 8-19, 2024 – excluding Saturday and Sunday); and
Applicants must have reliable transportation and be willing to travel to Research Triangle Park (which may include overnight stays at a hotel in Research Triangle Park on Sunday through Thursday each week).
Women and individuals of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Advancing STEM Research Teaching Program
Are you a high school teacher deeply committed to engaging your students in real-world, inquiry based STEM experiences? If so, we invite you to apply to this no-cost, week-long summer PD, “Advancing STEM Research Teaching”. Details of this unique opportunity include:
Dates: July 8-12, 2024
Housing and Meals: Provided at no-cost
Host Site: UNC Charlotte Stem Center and University Guest Housing
CEU: 5.0; additional CEU available for follow up activities
Stipend: $450.00
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
This is being offered through the NC Collaborative Advancing Student Led Research. For additional details click here.
We’re excited to announce that we’re ready to “PLAY BALL!” with our MLB Players STEM League Program for educators!
MLB Players STEM League
Launched in partnership with the MLB Players Trust, MLB Players STEM League is a baseball-inspired program for students in grades 4-8. The program brings to life the energy of the sport through a board game and curriculum that cultivate students’ math and social-emotional skills. The program is FREE for youth-development organizations and schools of all types, helping young people build new skills, confidence, and a passion for learning through a fun and engaging program rooted in sport.
Below is the link to our Virtual trainings schedule! If interested in the program, please use the link below to register for a FREE Virtual Training & get your season started! We ask that all educators who plan to implement the program, attend a virtual training session. Thank you!
Please note: Virtual Training will be offered throughout the month of March. Additional virtual trainings for summer program implementation will be offered in May (dates/time are TBD).
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns, by replying to this email. We’d be happy to help get your questions answered!
Learn Fresh
Learn Fresh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing innovative STEM learning experiences that empower educators and inspire students. Through community, play, and rigorous exploration, Learn Fresh programs leverage students’ passion for sports and entertainment to inspire their STEM and social-emotional learning. By bringing students’ genuine interests into the classroom, Learn Fresh programs foster a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.
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Weekly Updates for New Learning Opportunities for Educators & Youth
STEM West (www.stemwest.org) is a STEM education non-profit located in Hickory, NC that serves 6 counties and 8 LEAs across the Western North Carolina Region. STEM West’s mission is to advocate and support the alignment of educational and occupational objectives through the regional workforce and community partnerships. STEM West’s passion for its students, workforce, and community helps it promote equitable STEM access for ALL.
