STEM IN EDUCATION

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is at the center of ISA’s efforts to provide our students with 21st century skills. Critical thinking, discovery, innovation and problem solving are the keys to success in tomorrow’s economy and STEM related job opportunities are growing at a rapid rate.

ISA will take every opportunity to collaboratively provide resources and infrastructure through the coordinated efforts of K-12 educators, business partners, nonprofits, higher education institutes and community leaders to promote STEM literacy with a commitment to support and empower educators and our community to foster a deep appreciation of the utility of STEM fluency in each and every student.

STEM Education

STEM education is an approach to learning that removes the traditional barriers separating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and integrates them into real-world problem solving and relevant learning experiences for students.

STEM in itself is not a curriculum, but rather a way of organizing and delivering instruction by weaving the four disciplines together in intentional ways. Rather than adding two new subjects to the curriculum, the engineering and technology practices are intentionally woven into existing math and science lessons in ways that engage students and help them master 21st century skills.

STEM education is more than simply teaching; it is about engaging.

STEM encourages students to foster creativity, problem-solve, analyze, participate in teams, and practice critical thinking and effective communication. These 21st century skills will help students excel as a part of the future workforce and in their everyday lives. We strive to create meaningful experiences to enhance STEM learning from Pre-K through higher education by connecting opportunities for students and educators – creating a more vibrant future for our students, for our economy, and for the success of our education institutions.

STEM with ISA (India STEM Alliance)

We help ensure students’ success for a better future.Students are prepared to thrive in a STEM economy through receiving continuous outreach during their educational years. Students are reached out to before they reach kindergarten, and continue to be promoted to about STEM learning through their postsecondary education.

ISA is fortunate to have many active innovative programs in the local schools that are serving as templates for development and delivery of engaging project-based education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Providing students with a quality STEM education equips them to pursue careers in high-paying STEM fields (a STEM salary can be almost twice as much as non-STEM salaried jobs).

By promoting hands-on, work-based experiences, we get students excited about learning, a passion that will stay with them—and serve them—for the rest of their lives. It is important to create opportunities for students to explore and develop STEM skills even if they don’t pursue a career in a STEM field. ISA promotes connections between college/university students and potential employers. Today, most jobs work with technology and data in some form: every student (and future employee) needs to have exposure to STEM and the opportunity to develop those skills.

We help raise awareness about STEM to garner support for STEM education.

The importance of STEM for our young people, our economy and our community needs to be highlighted in numerous areas. ISA does just that – we are a liaison to support innovative programs in the community, at schools and at colleges and universities in our region. 

STEM in K-12

We connect teachers and schools with resources. Educators can exchange ideas and best practices through the ISA STEM Network. They can access the latest thinking on instructional models, innovative strategies, and teaching tools. Connecting educators to professional development opportunities is essential to build a thriving economy.

Schools can also get connected with businesses and community organizations through ISA to enhance their students’ curriculum through lectures, tours, and hands-on, work-based learning experiences. This introduces students to the realities of working in a STEM field and begins a relationship with future employers. It also presents teachers and faculty to experiences that can be applied in classrooms and labs.

We advocate for policy issues to ensure our schools, colleges, and universities have a statewide voice.

It is important to advocate for issues on behalf of education and teachers/faculty at both the state and central levels. Educators are to be kept informed of the latest developments in STEM fields and legislation. Both public and private support for innovative STEM policymaking are advocated for nationally. Our advocacy work achieves support for nationwide change in STEM programs for early learning and K-12.

Involvement from business professionals and the community helps connect students with knowledge and opportunities to work with professionals to solve real-world problems.