The California STEM Learning Network (CSLNet) announced last week they awarded two planning grants to build education networks focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). These regional networks will serve students in Los Angeles and San Diego counties.
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and UNITE-LA will work together to develop the STEM network in the Los Angeles area. The Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce is an organization that represents and promotes businesses in the Los Angeles area. UNITE-LA, an affiliate of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, seeks to reform the education system and address high dropout rates by implementing smaller schools and learning communities in order to personalize education. The partnership will focus on aligning STEM education with future careers for the students.
The San Diego STEM Schools Collaboratory will develop the network in San Diego. The Collaboratory is an Investing in Innovation Development proposal that is led by the San Diego County Office of Education, working with 14 independent school districts, the San Diego Science Alliance, the San Diego Economic Development Corporation and additional private sector partners. The network will support STEM teachers and use cloud computing to help students learn and communicate.
"The work carried out by these two groups will be essential in preparing students to meet our state’s unmet and growing demand for STEM-capable workers and citizens," said Chris Roe, CEO of CSLNet, in a press release.
The grant money for the two regions is being used to strengthen STEM education with region-specific approaches. The networks will allow K-12 teachers, business partners, policy makers, and community-based organizations to work together in order to support STEM education for the students in their region and ensure that the students are ready for STEM majors at college and eventually STEM-related careers.
