In 2001, Scientific administrators from the U.S. National Science Foundation introduced the STEM acronym to describe a newly innovative program. This program focuses on teaching students about the core fundamentals of science, technology, engineering, and math. It was created to help young minds explore futuristic possibilities, allowing them to become more engaged in specific scientific areas.
Since the time of its introduction, schools and educators across the country have tried to come up with various ways to get their students more eager about learning different STEM-inspired projects.
In Ohio, there have been many schools and organizations that have striven to make STEM programs a more prominent learning system with children in the state. One Ohio University, in particular, has tried to go the extra mile to get kids more engaged in the sciences. The two STEM programs created by these universities have even been awarded and nationally recognized for their innovative programs.
The INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine is a well-respected publication that awards different colleges and universities for showing initiative in trying to get young students interested in careers in the math, science, engineering, and technology fields. This year, they have awarded the “Tech Savvy Ohio” workshop and the “Aspiring DOctors Precollege Programs” the 2018 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award. These engaging programs are focused on getting kids excited about various STEM disciplines; and help to sharpen their skills and broaden their range of career prospects in the future.
Tech Savvy Ohio is hosted by Ohio University. It features a full day of comprehensive activities that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math. It’s open to girls in 6th through 9th grade in the Appalachian region in Ohio and West Virginia. The workshop is sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW); it allows young students to learn how to decode DNA, use fuel cells to power a car, use solar energy, work with lasers and lights, and much more.
Registration for the next year’s Tech Savvy Ohio workshop will open up in the spring of 2019. It takes place on May 18, 2019, from 8:30am — 4:30pm inside of Walter Hall at the Ohio University in Athens. This is a one-day workshop; students who participate are encouraged to bring an adult so their chaperone could also attend a workshop of their own.
The Aspiring DOctors Precollege Program takes place at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Cleveland. This is a high school STEM program that students can sign up for when they are in the 10th grade. This comprehensive program is three years long. Students who sign up get to have pre-college preparedness in osteopathic medicine, as well as learn about various other medical careers through hands-on activities and enriching lectures. This in-depth learning course is sponsored by the St. Luke’s Foundation, Omnova Solutions Foundation, the Cyrus Eaton Foundation, and the City of Warrensville Heights.
By introducing today’s youth to STEM-related activities, we’re better able to bridge the diversity gap often seen in science, technology, engineering, and math-related career fields. Ohio University’s programs are extremely beneficial to children; having various interactive programs based outside school allows them to view the STEM curriculum as more than just a class. These programs are not only helping to enrich the lives of the students; future generations have much to gain from advancements that these children may one day make.
If you have any questions or comments about Ohio’s wide range of STEM programs, please feel free to contact us today.
