STEM Everyday

STEM Everyday #249 | National STEM Scholar Program | feat. Dr Paula Grisanti

Jul 13, 2023

Dr Paula Grisanti, CEO of the National Stem Cell Foundation, discusses the importance of engaging middle school students in STEM subjects. They explore the National STEM Scholar Program for middle school science teachers, which inspires students to pursue STEM careers and encourages innovative teaching practices. The program also provides resources and support for educators, including free educational materials and professional development opportunities.

24:14

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Paula Grisanti

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Quick takeaways

Engaging kids in STEM education at an early age is crucial to inspire and motivate them for STEM careers.

The National STEM Scholar Program aims to bridge the gap between the demand for STEM graduates and the shortage of qualified individuals by providing teachers with advanced STEM training and resources to implement impactful projects in their classrooms.

Deep dives

Importance of Hooking Kids on STEM Education

It is crucial to engage kids in STEM education at an early age. The National STEM Cell Foundation recognizes this significance and has initiated the National STEM Scholar Program. The program aims to inspire teachers and get them equipped to create excitement among students for STEM education.

Introduction

4min

Fostering Excitement for STEM in Middle School

2min

Inspiring Students and the Gatton Academy: National STEM Scholar Program

4min

Inspiring Teachers and Students through the National STEM Scholar Program

11min

National STEM Scholar Program, Resources, and Support for Educators

3min

Studies show that middle school students who become excited about science are the ones who will pursue STEM courses in high school and major in them at the technical and college level. At a pivotal time in decision-making that will open or close the door to opportunity, however, nearly 50% of 8th graders in America lose interest in pursuing the STEM-related subjects increasingly required for 21st-century jobs.

Created in partnership between the National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University (WKU), the National STEM Scholar Program selects ten teachers each year from a national pool of applicants based solely on the description of a “big idea” Challenge Project the applicant would implement in their classroom if funds were available. The application process begins around November. Selected projects are chosen for maximum impact in middle school classrooms where research shows lifelong STEM career decisions are being made. STEM Scholars convene on WKU’s campus for a week of advanced STEM training and finalize their projects with input from their STEM Scholar class colleagues.

Dr. Paula Grisanti, CEO of the National Stem Cell Foundation, said, “We added education to our mission to support the development of a new generation of scientists in academic research, advanced technology, and infrastructure engineering. Supporting teachers who inspire and motivate middle school students at this critical decision-making age will directly impact how many choose to pursue the STEM skills essential for living wage jobs. By investing in the influential middle school STEM teacher now, we reach thousands of students in classrooms today and far into the future.”

Now in its 8th year, there are 80 National STEM Scholars representing middle schools in 33 states. 91% teach in public schools, 41% teach in mid- to high-poverty schools and 38% teach in communities with a population under 15,000. A unique requirement of the program is the responsibility for STEM Scholars to share lessons learned with colleagues in their home schools, districts or states, magnifying impact over multiple classrooms and years. By June 2023, National STEM Scholars will have directly and indirectly impacted more than 104,000 middle school students in the U.S.

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