Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced a $150,000 grant for the Schuyler, Steuben, Chemung, Tioga, Allegany Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). The funding was allocated through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). When combined with local funding, the project will total $317,452. The federal funding will be used to bring more science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs to 7th and 8th grade students as part of the BOCES’ STEM Deployment Project.
“This much-needed funding will allow five counties in the Southern Tier to improve access to STEM fields through the BOCES program,” said Senator Schumer. “This program will help train and prepare seventh and eighth grade students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, all of which have the potential to lead to good-paying jobs in the future. Introducing our students to these fields early on is crucial, as these kinds of careers are desperately needed in today’s information-driven economy. This program is an investment in education and has the potential to impact the regional economy over the long term.”
“In order for New York to keep our competiveness in the 21st century global economy – and keep our skilled workforce in the region, we must prepare our students with the education they need for the jobs of the future,” said Senator Gillibrand. “That starts with getting more talented students – from diverse backgrounds – into the STEM pipeline at a younger age and developing programs that will introduce students to the many career opportunities in computer science. I am pleased the Southern Tier BOCES will get this federal funding that will help our children start out strong so they can become the innovators of tomorrow.”
“The STEM Deployment Program is designed to systemically transform teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering and math from predominantly textbook and lecture-driven instruction to hands-on, inquiry-based, student-directed learning. The intent is to actively engage students in authentic scientific and engineering practices, build critical knowledge and skills and ensure that students are on a trajectory toward college and career readiness in STEM-related fields,” said GST BOCES STEM Coordinator Jeremy Wheeler. “The 20,000 students that the GST Regional STEM Program serves will benefit greatly from the Appalachian Regional Commission grant. These funds will be used to provide curriculum materials and equipment for Middle School STEM science teachers in 22 schools across the GST BOCES region and will impact 3,904 students and 59 teachers.”
The federal funding will be used to purchase 72 STEM instructional modules and provide training for teachers on how to properly operate the modules. These modules will include topics on the ecosystem, human body, chemical interactions, earth resources and the force of motion. This program will be available to more than 3,900 students through 21 school districts throughout the Southern Tier.