Dear <<First Name>>
Despite some of looming challenges affecting our economy, there is tremendous promise regarding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) moving forward.
Yes, there are budgetary challenges that will need to be addressed. Yes, we have real challenges in terms of how we introduce and teach STEM concepts in our schools. AND yes, there are major hurdles that need to be overcome in order to create the requisite enthusiasm necessary to sustain and drive our students in the world of tomorrow.
So why on earth would we be so excited????
The truth is the seeds are there for a major “STEM Renaissance.” Everywhere we look we see these little “STEM sprouts” beginning to take shape!
From a practical standpoint the needs of the economy have shifted and so must the way we educate our children. The workplace of tomorrow has not only impacted governmental approach to education, but we are also beginning to see corporate America get involved, as well as the main stream media (see our article on the recent interview by US News and World Report Mort Zuckerman below.)
It has also been so wonderful to see the nation’s mindset over the past decade plus move in all kinds of interesting and wonderful ways, led in large part by the technology revolution. Many American companies have really defined this entire space including the likes of Microsoft, Google and Facebook. Of course we have also recently mourned the loss of a true American innovator in Steve Jobs (see our tribute article below). To some extent the geeks have really begun to come in to their own. In fact thanks in large part to people like Steve Jobs many of the geeks are now no longer even geeks – they are cool!
There is also an ever growing array of tools that available and accessible in the form of evolving technologies that are also contributing to the amount of overall information as well as STEM learning specific information. With access to these tools teachers, students and parents now have at their fingertips another great resources to help develop core STEM fundamentals. (See our article below on a few fun ideas to utilize YouTube as a very fun parent resource.)
Finally as those of us who work in or teach STEM areas, not only does our work empower people, but STEM has the capacity to truly embody the idea of “making dreams come true”.
So with all of the above, hopefully you can now appreciate and hopefully share in our enthusiasm for STEM. The future horizon is filled with promise!
Best,
Dr. Yvonne A. Akpalu
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