Building on its 12-year track record of supporting science education programs and responding to the President's recent call to action to improve science literacy among American students, the Siemens (News - Alert) Foundation in conjunction with Discovery Education, Oak Ridge Associated Universities and the College Board, is kicking off a new nationwide initiative, The Siemens STEM Academy.

The Academy is designed to advance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in the United States by engaging educators from across the country through hands-on and multimedia professional development opportunities that will ultimately improve STEM education for students nationwide.

The national Siemens STEM Academy encompasses the following four elements:

1. Siemens Teachers as Researchers (STARs)

 

James Whaley, president of the Siemens Foundation said, “this Academy reinforces the Siemens Foundation's commitment to excellence in STEM education, while celebrating the extraordinary student achievements showcased through our programs over the years.' He said, 'Discovery Education, the College Board and Oak Ridge Associated Universities share our enthusiasm for advancing STEM education and we're thrilled for their partnership in the Siemens STEM Academy.'

 

To add, Bill Goodwyn, president of Discovery Education said, 'Each successful student can point to a great teacher in their life who encouraged and inspired them and the Siemens STEM Academy seeks to create a cadre of educators armed with the latest tools and best practices to inspire today's students to become tomorrow's leading scientists.'

 

2. A two-week residential professional development and research immersion program for select middle and high school teachers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the country's largest multi-purpose national research laboratory, located in Oak Ridge, TN.

Teachers will have the unique opportunity to engage with top scientists and researchers on short-term research projects related to current topics of national interest. Through authentic research, professional scientific collaboration and educational enhancements, the program offers valuable insights, resources and scientific contacts that educators can bring back to the classroom.

 

This includes a week-long STEM immersion program that will enable 50 select teachers to gather and engage with today's critical science thinkers and other peers from across the nation and visit leading institutions to see real-world applications of STEM subject matter. In addition, the Institute also will include monthly professional development opportunities, support and additional tools and resources designed to further inspire student achievement in STEM education.

3. STEM Academy Online Portal

 

A national portal and online community at www.siemensstemacademy.com, designed to foster STEM achievement by providing educators with a dedicated resource to collaborate, exchange and connect about all things related to STEM education.

4. Brains of Science Connect Webinar Series

A monthly webinar series that gives educators from across the country the chance to interact with today's eminent scientists, personalities and thought-leaders and extend that experience to their students through customized, standards-based content.

Founded in 1998, the Siemens Foundation invests millions of dollars each year to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. The Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology and the Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement reward exceptional achievement in science, math and technology, while the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge encourages K-12 students to develop sustainable solutions for environmental issues.

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