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Washington STEM recently announced nearly $4 million in investments in regionally based programs aimed at improving teaching and learning of science, engineering, technology and math across Washington state.
The nonprofit's investments have two main focuses: continuing the growth of regional STEM Networks across the state and expanding its professional development initiative to help teachers with implementation of the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
"These investments will bring STEM professionals, educators and communities together to improve STEM education and prepare our students for the STEM careers that drive Washington state's economy," said Patrick D'Amelio, Washington STEM CEO. "The networks will improve STEM education coordination in their community and across the state; and rigorous, high-quality teacher professional development will help ensure students in the classroom are STEM literate."
Subject to meeting specific grant requirements, each of the seven regional networks will receive $200,000 over the next three years to partner with Washington STEM and continue growing systems in which educators, employers and community leaders work together to match STEM education to STEM career opportunities in their communities. Each network is tailoring their approach to unique regional needs and opportunities.
Building on a pilot project in the Anacortes, Nooksack, Bellevue, Renton and Highline school districts, Washington STEM is investing $2.5 million to expand the STEM-PD, a teacher professional development initiative, to 45 schools statewide. Additionally, six teachers will participate individually to share their practice to teachers across the initiative as they explore new ways to use technology in their professional learning.
To learn more about Washington STEM, visit www.washingtonstem.org.
