Governor's Workforce Cabinet Announces STEM Works Schools

LITTLE ROCK — The Governor's Workforce Cabinet today announces that 15 districts throughout the state and one technical center have been chosen as the first participants in the administration's STEM Works initiative.

"We're proud that a diverse range of schools applied to participate in our STEM Works program," Governor Mike Beebe said. "In Arkansas, education and economic development must work hand in hand to build the strong workforce so important to our state's future prosperity. These schools will be leaders in this work."

STEM is short for "Science, Technology, Engineering and Math." Governor Beebe on Aug. 16, 2011, announced the creation of STEM Works with the aim of educating more K-12 students in the fields that need the most qualified workers and have the most potential for expanding the state's economy. Another project goal is equipping Arkansas colleges with the tools they need to better educate future K-12 teachers in these core subjects.

The districts and the tech center were designated by the cabinet to participate either in Project Lead the Way or the New Tech Network. The New Tech high school model integrates STEM education and extensive project-based learning throughout the curriculum. Project Lead the Way includes several introductory courses in engineering or biomedical sciences that show how basic concepts taught in the classroom are used in the work world.

"Our goal was to have 10 STEM Works schools for the 2012-2013 school year and we've surpassed that," said Arkansas Education Commissioner Dr. Tom Kimbrell. "We'll all work together to make sure these schools are successful and can be models for schools seeking to participate in the future."