Support High-Quality Science Instruction

Summary

The Surviving the Cut project at The Community School will give students who are at-risk for failure in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subject areas personalized, project-based learning experiences. Funding will provide one teacher with a stipend for the duration of the term, allowing them to affect the minds of high school students in ways that will last a lifetime.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

The majority of The Community School students do not believe they have the potential to become STEM professionals. Serving a population of 70% poverty, The Community School presents the opportunity for the development of STEM identity to students who are at-risk for STEM failure. However, as teacher funding is not provided through the district, in order for this project to be a success, funding must be found through other sources.

How will this project solve this problem?

The teacher stipend will allow an instructor to administer the Surviving the Cut project, which will work with approximately 25 junior high and high school students to reignite their interest in STEM through authentic lab investigations focused on human anatomy and physiology.

Potential Long Term Impact

Through the student-focused approach of this project, teachers will enable high-needs kids to pursue STEM career pathways with confidence. Teachers will also participate in documenting and sharing their innovative approaches during and after the project, which will have a positive impact not only on future programs within The Community School, but will provide impactful tools for teachers around the state.

Resources

Project Id: #11307