Enrollment in a NASA-sponsored summer program hosted by several universities in Idaho has doubled from last year, reported the Idaho Statesman. The initiative is intended to get students interested in science, technology, engineering and math, which many educators claim are important to future careers.
"When we’ve touched them, it increases the odds they are going to take advantage of future opportunities," James Gregson, coordinator of the University of Idaho's STEM outreach program, told the local news provider.
The initiative, which is funded by a $1.2 million grant from NASA and endorsed by the State Department of Education, will also provide teacher training. According to the media outlet, nearly 400 teachers in the state will be taught hands-on STEM education techniques. Furthermore, many may be instructed to use educational technology, such as an interactive whiteboard, a robotics kit or a
DLP projector, in their classrooms.
Program advocates believe the STEM-focused initiative is garnering support for technical fields among Idaho students.
"We are definitely having some substantial impact," Louis Nadelson, a Boise State University assistant professor of education, told the Idaho Statesman.
