The Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice has announced the creation of a five-year project designed to improve schoolchildren’s understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The STEM program, as it has been nicknamed, will invest between $500,000 and $2.5 million annually in three high schools and five middle schools in the Sarasota and Charlotte counties of Florida. The program is designed not just to improve children’s test scores, but also to spark a lifelong interest in science and mathematics. Additionally, the foundation hopes that, if successful, the program will be implemented in more counties across Florida.
"Research indicates that 15 of the 20 fastest-growing jobs through 2014 will require substantial math and science preparation, and that Florida, as well as the United States, is failing to develop an adequate supply of STEM-capable workers," said foundation president and CEO Teri Hansen.
"While our economy demands a larger and more proficient STEM workforce, enrollment and success in those courses is rapidly declining," Hansen continued. The foundation’s project is designed to address and reverse this decline.
The STEM program incorporates two strategies for helping Florida students master mathematics and science.
First, the program aims to improve teacher readiness and preparation to meet Florida’s Next Generation Math and Science standards. A significant part of the funding will go toward training teachers to meet the higher standards and new models of the program.
The second strategy is to collaborate with employers and internship providers to enhance student opportunities that increase achievement and promote readiness for postsecondary programs and careers in sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics.
"The time for action is now, and the foundation is creating a community-based coalition to tackle this issue," said Hansen.
Since its formation in 1995, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation has donated $104 million in grants to the community. The foundation aims to maintain, support and improve Florida’s programs in the arts, health, human services, civic affairs and the environment.
