News Summary
NMSI and SC GEAR UP announce a $560,000 partnership to improve STEM education in South Carolina, focusing on professional development for educators.
Columbia, SC – New Partnership to Enhance STEM Education
The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) has announced a new partnership with South Carolina Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (SC GEAR UP) to bolster STEM education in seven school districts throughout the state. This collaboration is backed by a significant investment of $560,000, aimed at providing high-quality professional development to educators and ultimately enhancing student success in mathematics and science.
The initiative is designed to serve as a transformative resource for up to 270 middle and high school teachers. The focus will be on those teaching mathematics, science, and English, equipping them with innovative strategies and practices to improve classroom instruction and student engagement.
Program Features and Support Services
NMSI’s comprehensive plan includes various support services to strengthen STEM instruction. A major component of this initiative is the provision of one-on-one coaching for 70 educators, allowing for personalized feedback and targeted professional growth. Additionally, the program will facilitate three regional Vertical Team Trainings, bringing together educators to collaborate on curriculum design and instructional strategies.
Also noteworthy is the series of statewide content workshops scheduled for July 22–26 in Greenville, SC. These workshops aim to further enhance collaborative learning among educators and foster a community of practice dedicated to continuous improvement in STEM education.
Objectives of the Initiative
The overarching goal of the NMSI and SC GEAR UP partnership is to advance STEM education and improve student achievement across South Carolina. By enhancing teaching effectiveness, aligning educational instruction, and building sustainable capacity through evidence-based programs, the initiative seeks to prepare students more effectively for the challenges of college and beyond.
As part of this endeavor, the program is particularly focused on increasing the number of low-income students who are ready for postsecondary education. With targeted, data-informed programming, the initiative highlights the commitment of both organizations to uplift underserved communities and provide equitable access to quality education.
Support for Educators and Students
NMSI’s CEO has stressed the importance of equipping educators with the necessary tools to deliver rigorous and engaging STEM education. Similarly, the State Director of SC GEAR UP has emphasized the crucial role of investing in teachers to adequately prepare students for their future educational and career pursuits.
This partnership is expected to play a vital role in improving educational outcomes for students in high-poverty schools, reflecting the mission of SC GEAR UP to facilitate college access for underserved students.
Further Information
For educators interested in learning more about supporting STEM teaching initiatives, the public is encouraged to reach out to NMSI directly or to visit their official website for additional resources and information.
The National Math and Science Initiative is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality STEM education across the United States. Meanwhile, SC GEAR UP, a federally funded initiative, works specifically with high-poverty schools to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for students in the state.
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Additional Resources
- eSchool News: GEAR UP Partnership
- Columbia Business Report: USC STEM Center
- The Item: Boeing Investment in STEM
- PR Newswire: Governors School STEM Programs
- Samsung News: Supporting STEM Dreams
- Wikipedia: STEM Education
- Google Search: STEM education initiatives
- Google Scholar: STEM education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: STEM Education
- Google News: STEM education South Carolina
