Beverly Schwartz taught elementary school in Troy, New York, public schools from 1973 to 2007. In October of 1987, while teaching at School 14 in Troy, NY, Ms. Schwartz created a collaborative program with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) to help bring the New York State Science syllabus to students in her third-grade class through demonstrations, hands-on lessons, individual projects, and field trips to RPI. This program was originally called Learn Tech in 1987. In 1990, Ms. Schwartz renamed the program Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). After the initial launch in the third-grade classroom, the program was disseminated to other classrooms of School14. As a result, Ms. Schwartz earned the 1990 Christa McAuliffe Award for New York. The STEM program was filmed by NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, narrated by Ann Curry, and presented by Jane Pauley on November 27, 1990.

 

After winning the award, Ms. Schwartz was asked in 1990 by the Eastern New York Technical Council of Upstate New York if she would form a STEM board for four counties in the state of New York: Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, and Saratoga. The society funded science kits for the schools and provided mentors for the STEM program. As a result, the STEM program became a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit corporation in the state of New York. The STEM corporation existed from 1992 to 2007.

 

In 1993, Ms. Schwartz coauthored, along with Lisa DePaulo and Mildred A. Stahl, An Educator’s Guidebook for the exhibit at the State University at Albany Art Museum, The Atmosphere: Art, Native Wisdom and Science.

 

Educational Experience

1994: State University of New York at Albany. Masters of Science, Educational Administration (SDA). Thesis: “Elementary Collaborative Partnerships and the New World Economy”.

 

1976: Russell Sage College, Troy, New York. Masters: Special education.

1973: Russell Sage College, Troy, New York. Bachelor of Science, Social Sciences, Minor: Education.

 

Awards

2025: On May 9, 2025, at the Celebration of STEM Award Reception at the Legislative Office Building in Albany NY.  Beverly Schwartz will be receiving the Congressional Commendation award of the United States Congress presented by Congressman Paul Tonko of New York State for the creation of the Science, Technology , Engineering, & Mathematics program - STEM. 

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2025: Beverly Schwartz will be receiving a New York State Assembly Citation, presented by New York State Assemblyman Phillip Steck for her creation and contributions to STEM and education as a whole. This award recognized Ms. Schwartz who gave exemplary service to their community creating, in October 1987, the program Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) in School 14 of Troy, New York, in collaboration with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). In 1990, Ms. Schwartz formed a collaboration with the New York Technical Council and expanded the STEM program to schools in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, and Saratoga counties. In 1992 the STEM board applied for and became a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit corporation in New York state on December 28, 1992 named STEM.  

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2005. Jefferson Award for Public Service. Capital District, Albany, New York.

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1995. Citizen of the Year. Capital District Chapter, New York State Society of Professional Engineers. This award recognizes a non-engineer who made an outstanding contribution related to the goals of the engineering profession.

 

1990: Awarded 1990 Christa McAuliffe Award for creating the STEM program in Troy, New York. The award was given by the United States Department of Education and the Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Center for Education and Teaching Excellence. Below is Ms. Schwartz receiving her award.

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