How to Start a STEM Program

Here are a few things to consider when starting a hands-on STEM program at your school.

Start Small

Beverly Schwartz initially started her STEM program at the individual classroom level. If the basis STEM lesson plans is based on the state curriculum, you will encounter less obstacles. Once Schwartz and the community saw success, she knew the program could expand. The STEM program then welcomed members of the educational, technical and professional communities to serve as mentors and role models to students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. It is hoped that these students will discover the value of such education as it pertains to everyday life.

Find Mentors

The mentor program is the main focus of STEM's activities. Members participating in this program are professionals with backgrounds in fields relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. A directory of STEM mentors is made available to individual schools to use as an educational resource at no cost. All mentors have to meet all requirements of the organization and have had opportunities to attend workshops and training sessions where they acquire skills necessary to function within the classroom setting. Every community has professional knowledge that is worth sharing with young people. Whether it is reaching out to a nearby university or local professionals, such as a pediatrician or veterinarian, all are great ways to find mentors. Try to contact engineering societies, medical students, parents and teachers. Almost anyone who wants to can get involved, let that be known!

Find Materials

You do not need a big budget to start. Initial demonstrations can utilize common household items, at low cost. Financial support can be found from many different parties. The program benefits children of the community therefore parents and guardians have stake in their education. Furthermore, local professionals in the STEM industry may want to contribute. There are many ways to seek funding and supplies.

Expand

Awesome, you have found success at the classroom level! Now what? Find ways to broadcast the newly established program, talk to other teachers and get them on board! Quality documentation of your program will allow you to share your program more easily with others. Evaluation of your program is also important. STEM’s evaluation process provides a quantitative measure of usage of the STEM Directory, Mentors and programs. Provides a questionnaire to all teachers using the STEM Directory. These questionnaires provide data on STEM interactions including participating student population and quality of effectiveness of programs presented.

STEM Directory (with evaluation form)