The K-12 STEM Acceleration Grants are given to boost current STEM education, as well as implement new curricula grounded in problem/project-based or inquiry-based pedagogy, according to a news release. The money can also be used for teacher training and support.
Locally, the South Bend Community School Corp. will receive $52,500, School City of Mishawaka will receive $48,432 and the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation will receive $26,569.
Caity Stockstell, SCM’s director of teaching and learning, said this is the second time the school district has been awarded the grant since its establishment by the IDOE.
“This is a reflection of the good work that happens every day in Mishawaka school classrooms,” Stockstell said Wednesday during SCM’s school board meeting.
“One unique feature of our grant is our focus on community partnerships and early career exposure,” Stockstell told the board, noting that the Mishawaka Parks Department, Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library and the Civil Air Patrol helped district officials in grant writing. “What you will expect to see is a continued implementation of hands-on inquiry learning that is not only exciting and engaging, but connects to future career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math through our community partners.”
Last month, more than 30 Indiana districts received similar funding in a first round of STEM Acceleration Grants. The IDOE opened a second round of grant applications after additional funding was available for the 2019-20 school year.
“A STEM education is vital to preparing our students for an ever-changing technological global economy,” State Superintendent Jennifer McCormick said in a news release. “I am happy to have the opportunity to fund additional programs and commend our awarded schools for their commitment and dedication to equipping students with the 21st century skills necessary to thrive and be successful.”
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