Students at Gulf Coast Academy of Science and Technology will benefit from a statewide investment by AT&T this year, once that seeks to increase understanding of how classroom curriculum translates into STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers.
To provide a critical link from classroom to careers, AT&T is once again partnering with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations (CFEF) to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in school districts across Florida.
Real-world application of STEM education concepts, problem-solving and critical thinking skills will all be key elements of the 47 separate projects to be organized and funded through CFEF member local education foundations, including the Hernando County Education Foundation.
My Robot and Me: One-to-One Robotics Engineering and Programming Initiative This quarter long project is geared towards 6th grade students with a real world application of interdisciplinary skills developed in Mathematics and Technology.
Through building and programming their own robot “from scratch” the students will be encouraged to utilize higher thinking and problem solving skills, as well as algebraic reasoning.
From October to May they will order robots, develop the curriculum, begin instruction, host a workshop and then bring their robotic creations to other schools for an outreach initiative.
Their community partner, Prosthetic Design and Research has agreed to host a tour of their facilities for students in the upcoming year to see how prosthetics are made and to see how STEM careers are changing and improving lives.
“We know that industries engaged in STEM disciplines will create a majority of high-value, high-wage jobs and within ten years, almost nine out of ten new jobs will require education beyond a high school degree,” said Joe York, AT&T Florida President.
“We are pleased to make this contribution because Florida’s K-12 education foundations are well positioned to be the link between schools and local businesses for students, enabling them to build connections with potential employers in their communities, get a sense of what careers they offer and the skill sets they require.”
Two additional CFEF contributors have followed AT&T’s lead to provide similar programs with local impact throughout Florida. The Motorola Solutions Foundation is funding 11 larger-scale projects through a competitive grant process. CenturyLink is funding 25 projects in their “Teachers and Technology Grant” initiative providing training and needed equipment to enhance digital learning in the classroom.