This week in STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math learning continues to be a community affair.

Tech Companies Back STEM Summer Programs for Girls

In Silicon Valley, STEM is a community affair in the sense that the booming tech companies that reside there are constantly doing their part to reach out and get students interested.

With Girlstart "to Go" summer camps, Silicon Valley girls are attending a series of STEM summer programs for no charge this month.

“'Girlstart ‘to Go’ camps have been important in demonstrating that Girlstart programs are nationally scalable,' said Girlstart Executive Director Tamara Hudgins, in a prepared statement," according to BizJournals.com.

The camps are made possible by tech companies aiming to increase the 20-30 percent of women in the STEM workforce.

Read more here. 

Tax Credits for State's STEM Students

In Rhode Island, legislation has been passed to approve tax credits for residents in STEM fields to help pay student loans.

"The bills, sponsored by Rep. Christopher R. Blazejewski and Sen. Ryan W. Pearson, are a way to keep talented, educated people in Rhode Island, encourage students to pursue careers in those fields and strengthen the state’s workforce," said the Providence Journal.

Credits can reach up to $6,000 for workers with post-grad degrees.

"To qualify, a taxpayer must be a full-time employee of a Rhode Island-based company working in life, natural or environmental sciences, computer information or software technology, advanced mathematics or finance, engineering, industrial design, medicine or medical-device technology," the article said.

The move is intended to help state workers get on their feet and continue prospering in the field.

Read more here. 

Foundation Gives Grants to STEM Teachers

Not only are those who study STEM being rewarded for their efforts, so are the teachers who teach them.

"The National Science Foundation is offering grants of up to $300,000 each for projects that would help teacher-leaders get more exposure and improve STEM education systemwide," said Education Week.

The NSF is accepting project submissions until July 22, and is seeking ideas to be piloted for up to two years.

Find out more and how to enter a submission here. 

Principal Shares School's "Makers Week" with White House

Principal Miska Rynsburger of Holland Christian South Side Elementary in Michigan went to the White House this week to share her school's Makers Week, a week dedicated to learning and building in STEM subjects.

"Presidential staff invited Rynsburger to the White House for a roundtable discussion on ways to increase K-12 student engagement and learning through hands-on STEM learning, including the growing maker movement," according to MLive.com.

Rynsburger hopes her school's program, which she says teachers her kids life-long skills in STEM fields, will serve as a template for schools and teachers across the country.

Read more here. 

Compiled by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

07/07/2015