It was an opportunity for the engineers, technology experts and business leaders of today to meet their counterparts of tomorrow. On December 18, members of the
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education Coalition (STEM-EC) of the
South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce learned about STEM programs in the
Cherry Creek School District, visiting C
herry Creek High School and the
Overland High School Institute for Mathematics, Science and Technology.
"STEM-EC was formed in 2006 under the guidance of Chamber President John Brackney to address the fact that Colorado's high tech industries are facing a growing shortage of qualified employees," said
Wendy DeBell, a STEM-EC member and the
School/Community Partnership Coordinator for Cherry Creek Schools. "At the same time, school districts such as Cherry Creek are committed to giving students an exceptional foundation in STEM subjects, to allow them to meet the needs of the marketplace and take advantage of the great career opportunities available in STEM fields."
Superintendent Monte Moses explained that Cherry Creek is a college preparatory district committed to college access and success for all students.
"Research shows that whether students are planning to pursue higher education or enter the workforce right after high school, they need similar knowledge and skills, especially in reading and mathematics," Moses said.
He also outlined the district's STEM Initiatives, including:
- USTARS Elementary Science Program - which helps students develop science concepts and literacy at an earlier age
- Robotics Program - offered as an elective to middle and high school students as a way to teach 21 st century skills, problem solving, creativity and team-building
- Honors, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement Classes - rigorous college prep and college level courses in math (geometry, algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics) and science (earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology and biotechnology)
- Electives in engineering, architecture, pre-medicine and biotechnology
STEM-EC members visited Cherry Creek High School, which is nationally renowned for academic excellence and offers an extensive STEM curriculum, including advanced science research classes, in which students conduct independent research projects and may participate in the Cherry Creek High School Science Symposium.
The group then visited the Overland High School Institute for Mathematics, Science and Technology, which is the program of choice for parents and student having a desire to enter STEM fields. The program meets or exceeds ACT/SAT core requirements and Overland College Preparatory Diploma requirements. Institute students are academically advanced and ethnically and economically diverse.
"We are training future leaders who are already bilingual and bicultural," said
OHS counselor Shannon Vagner.
At both schools, visitors met with outstanding students who are passionate about STEM studies and eager to explore STEM fields. For example,
OHS senior Josh Dickerson, who is taking AP Physics, AP Calculus, AP Psychology and AP Literature along with other courses, recently completed an internship with Whiting Petroleum.
"It motivated me to do better in school," he said, about the experience that took him to the oil fields as well as the company's corporate headquarters.
"Internship opportunities and adult mentors are just two of the things that school districts need to help increase student interest and participation in STEM fields, and ultimately, bring more qualified employees into the workforce," DeBell said. "That's why it is a win-win for education and business to work together in this area."
The caliber of the students and staff involved in Cherry Creek STEM programs impressed STEM-EC members.
"The most uplifting part was the unbelievable engagement and motivation of the students and the authentic connection between the students, teachers and administrators," said
Bud Ahearn, STEM-EC Co-chairman and a CH2M Hill Senior Vice President. "We were taken by Cherry Creek's deep commitment to STEM education and the remarkable alignment we saw between those educational programs and the needs of the Colorado business community."