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• Assuring that all middle and high schools have the ability to offer an introductory computer science class to students by working through the Code.org partnership to provide professional development and ongoing support. • Working with districts to build model demonstration schools around the region, infusing computer science and robotics content into the core academic areas, and serving as a site to build local expertise and capacity. • Working with the University of North Florida to infuse opportunities for preservice teachers to graduate with fundamental skills in robotics and computer science. The work with computer science and robots, Schofield explained, is critical because it’s a hands-on way of teaching students how to deal with challenges while learningmath, science and countless other skills, including those in the social-emotional learning categories. The tools that serve as learning vehicles – robots and computers – hook students and then STEM2 Hub and its many partners work to keep them engaged in the sciences and following a STEM career trajectory. THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS Schofield said the STEM2 Hub’s work would not be possible without the partnerships that have been developed, both locally and nationally. “Our board of directors is somuch more than a funding, governing and steering body. The members and their companies are actively involved in supporting our mission and the work,” she said. Schofield said board members make a variety of contributions, ranging from helping provide volunteers for student-level camps and events to lending expertise as new programs are developed. “The work would simply not be happening at this level without their commitment and involvement,” Schofield said. “One of the most
important ways that our board members are engaged is in helping define the specific technical problems and working side by side with me on framing in and out of school programs that will provide solutions.” The PGA Tour and the Jacksonville Jaguars have partnered with STEM2 Hub to help close the digital divide, with a goal of putting computers into the hands of those students most at risk. To date, working with partner organizations, almost 500 computers have been distributed to kids. The kick-off event provided computers to 125 boys who participated in the first STEM and Football camp. At an annual sleep over for girls in Jacksonville held by the Police Athletic League, 100 girls received a computer after a night of STEM activities. Large corporations, including LEGO Education and Microsoft, have developed partnerships with STEM2 Hub. Schofield and some of her colleagues are often tapped to play key roles in national events and meetings to share the STEM2 Hub code. LEGO Education was the first non-Jacksonville based organization to join the STEM2 Hub board. Laylah Bulman of LEGO Education said, “The STEM2 Hub partnership is unique for LEGO Education.” “We have chosen to be a part of this board because we believe the work being done here will lead to a replicable model that can be used to build capacity across the country,” Bulman said. “We have become a thought partner, bringing our expertise and global experience to the STEM2 Hub as they are designing aligned, systematic plans for infusion of robotics and coding. Bulman said LEGO has introduced MIT’s Mitch Resnick, who has been at the forefront of engaging learners of all ages in creative learning experiences, to STEM2 Hub in order for him to offer insight and feedback. Resnick, who serves as the EGO Papert Professor of Learning and Research at the MIT Media Lab, leads a Kindergarten research group that develops scratch programming used by millions of young people around the world. The group also collaborates with the LEGO Company on the development of new educational ideas and products, including LEGOMindstorms andWeDo robotics kits. In addition to work with Resnick and LEGO, STEM2 Hub has also developed critical partnerships with other influential organizations. Schofield said, “Microsoft has become a critical partner in our work, from kindergarten to the workforce. The partnership is opening doors and opportunities for many people,” Schofield said.
CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO
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