healthykids
Preparing Kids for Tomorrow’s Jobs U.S. Companies Pair Scientists with Schools
by April Thompson
Psyched about Science Kids like Camerino Sanchez-Park can’t get enough. “Robotics helped me learn a lot about science and battery- powered objects and engines,” says this fifth-grader at Faller Elementary School, in Ridgecrest, California. “The best part was working with the cool, high-tech robots. I would definitely do it again!” Sanchez-Park is one of 87 youths
psyched about science as a result of hands-on afterschool programs run by a local nonprofit, High Desert Leapin’ Liz- ards. It taps the brainpower of scientists and engineers from a nearby naval base to instruct in subjects like renewable energy, chemistry and robotics. Rather than focusing on abstract concepts, stu- dents create working windmills or robots capable of tackling obstacle courses. “It not only sparks an interest in
Career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math are projected to grow 70 percent faster than other occupations—with 2.4 million job openings in those fields during the next six years.
T
hat’s great news for tomorrow’s job-seekers. Yet, most American youth are matriculating out of
the country’s schools ill-equipped to compete for these high-tech, high-wage jobs; among developed nations, U.S. high school students currently rank 23rd in science and 31st in mathemat- ics. Now, hundreds of schools are working to better prepare students by harnessing outside resources to reinvig- orate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curricula in class-
rooms and afterschool programs. Forget rote memorization of the
periodic table of the elements that previous generations may equate with science class. Kids in STEM programs are designing video games, program- ming robots and building solar cars— fun, hands-on, practical projects that add zest to technical subjects. The extra excitement helps, because many STEM programs extend the school day, either as a mandatory late-day module or an optional afterschool session.
science, it teaches them how to think like a scientist,” says Program Admin- istrator Sandra Goldstein Birmingham. “For example, the kids maintain an en- gineering journal of the challenges they experienced, to help them troubleshoot the next time.” Leapin’ Lizards is one of 34 STEM
programs nationwide awarded funding through the 2011 Ashoka Changemak- ers’ Partnering for Excellence competi- tion, backed by U.S. corporate heavy- weights like Google, ExxonMobil and Amgen. Many participating companies are investing in STEM school program- ming to fill the pipeline of homegrown talent for potential future hires.
Citizens Off the Sidelines Another Ashoka winner, Citizen Schools, sees the challenge as a supply- and-demand problem that includes a lack of teachers trained to meet the cur-
Children Will Express Themselves Through Movement, Discover Their Individuality and Be Empowered
TEEN YOGA CAMP this summer For ages 13-17
with Gabriela Chinnock & Janet Vignola July 9 -13
Sanctuary Yoga Studios, 132 Park Ave., New City
Ongoing classes for all ages are offered throughout the year
To sign up your teen or to learn more, contact Gabriela at 917-680-8782 or
gabrielacolormeyoga@gmail.com
20 Rockland & Orange Counties
naturalawakeningsro.com
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