American Student Assistance’s Post

#STEMStartsNow for all learners. That's why, during the first day of #MassSTEMWeek, we engaged our learners from early ed, k-12, and post-secondary. Get ready for day 2 of STEM Week Massachusetts - #STEMStartsNow! 🔬🧪⚙️

#STEMStartsNow for all learners. That's why, during the first day of #MassSTEMWeek, we engaged our learners from early ed, k-12, and post-secondary. Get ready for day 2 of STEM Week Massachusetts - #STEMStartsNow! 🔬🧪⚙️

In the spirit of Grace Lee Boggs and her profound insights on the education system, I find her identification of three critical myths both timely and resonant with the mission we've embraced at STEM to the Future. Boggs challenges us to rethink (1) the purpose of education beyond mere earning potential, (2) the narrow metrics of academic achievement, and (3) the traditional confines of where and how learning happens. These myths are the very ones we're actively working to debunk through our programming at STTF. Our journey at STTF is inspired by the belief that Black and brown youth carry within them the brilliance and power to effect change. Through STEAM programs grounded in social justice, we're not just educating; we're revolutionizing the landscape of learning. We recognize that the true essence of education extends far beyond the classroom walls, embracing the lived experiences, interests, and developmental stages of our students. We're proving that schools are not the only place where learning happens. Our programs support students as young as 5 in developing the skills needed to be leaders in their community and students as young as 8 see how they can use they skills to develop solutions to unmet needs in their community. This hands-on, problem posing approach not only enriches their learning experience but also supports youth in actualizing a future they deserve. By challenging the traditional metrics of achievement, we've shown that education can and should be measured by the impact students have on their communities and the world. Our work goes beyond fixing the "leaky STEM pipeline"; we're ensuring it leads not into a toxic pond but into an ocean of opportunity, inclusivity, and community-led change. We're transforming the narrative around education and creating spaces where our youth can thrive, belong, and lead. We're not just questioning the status quo; we're redefining it. #STEMtotheFuture #SocialJusticeEducation #STEAM #EducationalEquity #GraceLeeBoggs #RethinkingEducation #PlantingtheSeed

As we enter graduation season, it’s important to remember that every year, one in five high school graduates who have already been accepted to college and plan to go never actually show up on campus in the fall. Summer Bridge Programs have emerged as a powerful tool to combat what has been termed “summer melt.” While there is no “one way” to construct an effective Summer Bridge Program, the most impactful programs take a holistic approach and integrate a combination of academic, navigational, and relational elements and deliver an array of programming components, such as coursework, workshops, and peer-to-peer mentorship. In our latest blog, Vivian Nguyen outlines two primary implementation models states can use to construct these Summer Bridge programs—institution-led and statewide—to catch and support those students so that they can matriculate and stay on their path to postsecondary success. https://lnkd.in/gC5B8nTg

How can Davidson’s first year experience be improved? Students discussed this question with Dean of Students Byron McCrae at a DCI Commons Conversation this spring. Read more about what they shared below! 

✨ Discover how Carlisle High School students are paving their way to success in IT careers through NuPaths and Harrisburg University! Read the article from The Sentinel below to get insights into their journey and learn how they're acquiring essential skills for the tech industry. #techcareers #harrisburguniversity

Breaking news: Old classroom formats are an endangered species. Let us not try to save them! Students need to learn in ways that reflect the world they will inherit. Sitting in a row and being talked at is not learning for a 21st Century workforce who need to engage, question, problem solve and collaborate with curiosity and respect. CoRE Learning Foundation and the CoRE Learning Model is about #lifelonglearning attitudes and mindsets in #therealclassroom.

Too few students know about high-tech jobs that will dominate the future job market in North Carolina. Even fewer see pathways for themselves into these jobs. That's why Setser Group is honored to be a partner with SparkNC. Learn more in this comprehensive overview by EdNC which features our work on the SparkNC Units. https://lnkd.in/enkG2YHS

The results are in! In June, we partnered with NYC’s Community School District 24 to deliver engaging #engineering programs to K-5 students across Queens. As NYC’s third-largest district, D24 focuses on creating valuable learning opportunities for its significant population of students in temporary housing. The League of Young Inventors provided a fun, hands-on day of professional development to the participating teachers before they embarked on a STEM learning journey with their students, exploring two units from our Toy Invention Series: Rolling Marble Runs and Floating Boats. Here’s what we heard: 100% of teachers reported that our curriculum is stronger than other STEM programs in promoting student engagement, fostering strong collaboration, and developing fine motor skills. 94% of teachers reported that our program boosted their confidence in teaching STEM. 100% of teachers reported that their students grasped the unit's science concepts. 94% of teachers reported that the program was engaging and enjoyable for their students. Be on the lookout as we continue to share more about our work with District 24! #STEMEducation #EngineeringEducation #HandsOnLearning #K12Education #TeacherDevelopment #StudentEngagement #InnovativeTeaching #STEMPrograms

TalentServe #talentserve "Exploring the realm of charter schools: what are they and how do they function? Dive into this insightful blog to uncover real-life examples and understand their impact on education." Introduction: Charter schools are an important part of the education landscape, offering alternatives to traditional public schools. But what exactly are they, and how do they function? Let’s dive into the world of charter schools using real-life examples to understand their impact and significance. What are Charter Schools? Charter schools are publicly funded institutions that operate independently of the traditional public school system. They have more flexibility in curriculum, teaching methods, and hiring practices compared to regular public schools. Example: Imagine a charter school in a low-income neighborhood that focuses on STEM education. This school might offer specialized courses in robotics or computer programming that aren’t available in nearby public schools. How Do Charter Schools Work? Charter schools are granted a charter by an authorizing entity, such as a school district, university, or nonprofit organization. This charter outlines the school’s mission, academic goals, and accountability measures. In return for autonomy, charter schools are held accountable for meeting specific academic performance standards set forth in their charter. Example: A charter school in a rural area might have a charter that emphasizes project-based learning and community engagement. The school might partner with local businesses to provide students with real-world learning opportunities, such as internships or apprenticeships. Benefits of Charter Schools: 1. Innovation: Charter schools have the freedom to experiment with different teaching methods and educational models, leading to innovation in education. 2. Choice: Charter schools provide families with alternative options to traditional public schools, allowing them to choose the best educational fit for their children. Example: A charter school in an urban setting might have a strong focus on college preparation, with a rigorous academic curriculum and partnerships with universities to provide college credit courses to high school students. Challenges of Charter Schools: 1. Funding: Charter schools often receive less funding than traditional public schools, which can limit resources and services. 2. Accountability: While charter schools are accountable for academic performance, there have been concerns about oversight and transparency in some cases. Conclusion: Charter schools play a significant role in the education landscape, offering innovation and choice to families while also facing challenges related to funding, accountability, and equity. By understanding how charter schools operate and their impact on communities, we can engage in informed discussions about the future of education. #blog #blogpost #education #learning #school