The White House is looking to inspire more careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by celebrating a “Week of Making,” this summer.
“Last year, on June 18, President Obama hosted the first-ever White House Maker Faire and issued a call to action that ‘every company, every college, every community, every citizen joins us as we lift up makers and builders and doers across the country,’” according to the White House Blog.
In order to continue to promote the growth of careers in STEM fields, the White House has announced the “Week of Making,” that will take place from June 12-18.
“The week will coincide with the National Maker Faire here in D.C., featuring makers from across the country and will include participation by federal agencies including: the Department of Education, National Science Foundation, U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Small Business Administration, Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Institute of Standards and Technology, NASA, Corporation for National and Community Service, Department of Homeland Security and the Smithsonian,” according to the announcement.
STEM careers have been one of the topics at the head of educators and administrators list as of the last few years with the increased implementation of technology in classrooms. The week is not only to benefit higher education but the grades K-12 as well.
The White House post released ways in which many educational institutions can help while specifically siting K-12 institutions as well.
“K-12 school districts can create opportunities for interactive, hands-on STEM learning in and outside of the classroom,” according to the post.
“Schools can also establish maker spaces to empower students to design and build, and solve real-world problems.”
The “Week of Makers” looks to provide a better-prepared generation for a future that is leaning heavily towards technology, starting in the classrooms.
“By working together, we can provide every child and adult in America with the tools, technologies, and resources they need to be part of the creative process and invent, create, and make a better, stronger, and more innovative future.”
STEM education continues to be an important building block for students nationwide and globally. With a week of dedication to STEM careers, students should be able to explore another facet of learning that they may have not enjoyed before, in-turn finding a new respect and maybe a new career path.
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Article by Navindra Persaud, Education World Contributor