Written by Liberty V
Edited By Sierra S
Whether we hated or loved our school science classes, for some students STEM is becoming an interest point in many American Students. It’s now up to the higher ups on whether or not to fund the Stem programs. If you’re not quite sure what STEM fully covers let me explain that for you. According to ‘Today in the Usa,’ they stated, “Merging science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM education helps us to solve the challenges the world faces today.” STEM is so important because it is the future, so having STEM programs in public school is a great first step. While some parents are totally on board with it, other parents don’t see the need. STEM is constantly on the rise especially in the future job markets. DRPFConsults.com states, “The National Science Foundation estimates that 80% of the jobs available during the next decade will require math and science skills.”
I will be showing how stem in public schools is beneficial to students if funded properly and how to take action.
The example I will be presenting is from the great state of Michigan where they granted 16 different schools funding for STEM projects including research on the Great Lakes. Michigan Live states in their article, “Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the $205,028 in state funding this week, which she said is intended to support freshwater literacy efforts and prepare students for a potential career in STEM.” This is a great example of how funding can be used properly and efficiently because not only is this for students and their education of better understanding STEM surrounding subjects , but also for environmental research as well for the state of Michigan. This money will be used for many different STEM related activities such as freshwater-focused place-based education, creating a special Hub to continue water stewardship education programs like monitoring efforts on the Kalamazoo River, and even having specific transportation for all students to visit the Inland Seas Schooner. With all these resources, activities, and programs at these Public Schools, more students will have a greater understanding of the Great Lakes and STEM overall. For more information on what other STEM programs Mishiagn is funding for press here.
Now that we have read one of the many success stories of funding STEM, you may be wondering what you can do now as a reader, parent or student to help fun STEM Programs in your area. Well the truth is, it’s not really up to us, but with our voices and initiatives there could one day be an impact. A little goes a long way.
There are many grants for schools to apply for and asking for donations as well. Also other ways of using your voice by voting for public officials who care about Public school funding and narrowing in on STEM. According to ‘Apply Compass’ you should, “Get involved in local STEM education initiatives in your community, donate to the Improve Education Fund which aims to increase accessibility in education for all students, and Donate to Bright Funds U.S. Education Fund that is trying to help students become civically engaged and thriving adults by improving the education system that they are attending in their formative years.”
For more resources on how to use your voice for funding STEM, here are some resources.
Sources
https://givingcompass.org/article/stem-education
https://www.studyusa.com/en/a/2157/why-is-stem-important-the-impact-of-stem-education-on-society