This week in the world of STEM, we're seeing initiatives with the primary focus of building a future workforce. The STEM workforce shortage is no news, though as 2014 sways into 2015, thoughts of the future in science, technology, engineering and mathematics take precedence.

Stories about conferences, awards, programs and projects this week all seem to point toward the effort to grow the future STEM workforce, and influence students at a young age to be inspired and take initial steps toward a career in one of the four fields. With the results of studies gauging student interest in STEM released in the last few months, programs and projects are being formatted to meet student's interests at early ages.

ANSEP Awarded by U.S. Dept. of Energy for STEM Education Excellence

The Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program (ANSEP) was named by the U.S. Department of Energy as the most exceptional program in STEM Education and Workforce Development. ANSEP has been recognized for providing guidance and creating opportunities for Alaska students at an early point in their educating. Students in the program are surpassing state averages, and more than 70% of ANSEP students who begin a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field earn a degree. Read more about ANSEP.

New Mexico State University is First Location in NM to Host STEM Conference For Girls

In 2015, New Mexico State University (NMSU) will play host to "Expanding Your Horizons," a conference geared specifically toward girls in grade 5–10. The event is sponsored by The Network for Women in Science & Engineering, and provides hands-on experience in science and computing in the morning and afternoon on Saturday, January 31. Any young woman within the age range can sign up for the conference in the month leading up to the day at $5.00 per head. At the conference, students will participate in two hands on workshops during the day, including "Java & HTML," "Alternative fuels for moving vehicles," or "Soil science." Read the full story.

Students Present Final Projects at Energy Recovery's STEM Program

Students at Castlemont High School in Oakland, California recently completed a STEM for Millennials Program from Energy Recovery—an energy recovery product development company—and will present their final projects on Thursday, December 18. Students were formed into groups and mentored by 14 engineers from Energy Recovery. They competed between each other to design and create the best wind turbine prototype. The program was set in place based on a study finding that students are more likely to pursue a STEM career if their interest is sparked in middle or high school. Read the full story.

Michigan Students Use STEM Project To Measure Air Quality

Science classes at high schools in Holland, MI will be the first to use portable devices that measure the quality of breathable air in a region.Teachers predict it to be a practical and hands-on approach to STEM education. "We aim to provide innovative, real-world based STEM programs for area students," said Susan Ipsi Brown, director of the Hope College Center for STEM Inquiry, "and this focus on air quality allows the students to get excited about an impact of science and engineering in their own lives." Read the full story.

"Hour Of Code" Event Uses Disney's Frozen To Inspire Children

The Hour of Code is a free afternoon event put together by Cowerks, Jersery Shore Tech and Lakehouse Music Academy to teach young kids about computer science, and this year's theme surround the popular movie, Frozen. The project during the Hour of Code had students creating snowflakes and ice crystals through programming. Students aged 4–13 were guided by Elsa and Ana themselves. The program is part of a larger initiative to demystify computer programming and encourage it as a career pursuit. Read the full story.

Email editor[at]educationworld.com your STEM news!

Compiled by Samantha DiMauro, Education World Contributor

12/16/2014