INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Understanding how classroom curriculum translates into STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers can be a critical component for engaging today’s students and teachers in creating tomorrow’s workforce.
Hands-on learning opportunities can provide the critical link of relevance for students and answer the age-old student question of “When am I ever going to use this?” while increasing their awareness and interest in STEM careers.
To provide this critical link from classroom to careers, AT&T is collaborating with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF) this school year to provide experiential learning opportunities for students from 29 school districts through 47 separate projects involving 52 local workplace partners. Real-world application of STEM education concepts, problem-solving and critical thinking skills are all key elements of each project.
Through a partnership with the National Elephant Center (TNEC) and the Education Foundation of Indian River County, the grant will provide 5th graders at Fellsmere Elementary School the opportunity to learn about STEM careers through the use of “trunk boxes.”
This pilot program aligns with 5th grade Sunshine State Standards to allow students to examine methods that scientists use to study animals in the wild. School District of Indian River County science curriculum leaders and the TNEC representatives have crafted a project that incorporates “hands on learning” to gain mastery of STEM topics. Through this process students will learn of the many related STEM careers associated with elephant care/welfare, conservation, the scientific study of animals.
“We know that industries engaged in STEM disciplines will create a majority of high-value, high-wage jobs and within 10 years, almost nine out of 10 new jobs will require education beyond a high school degree,” said Joe York, AT&T Florida President. “We are pleased to make this contribution because Florida’s K-12 education foundations are well positioned to be the link between schools and local businesses for students, enabling them to build connections with potential employers in their communities, get a sense of what careers they offer and the skill sets they require.”
Two additional CFEF contributors have followed AT&T’s lead to provide similar programs with local impact throughout Florida. The Motorola Solutions Foundation is funding nine larger-scale projects through a competitive grant process. CenturyLink is funding 24 projects in their “Teachers and Technology Grant” initiative providing training and needed equipment to enhance digital learning in the classroom.
