Erik Baumann of BCC discusses SAGE grant opportunities

Over 40 people from the region's higher education institutions and K-12 schools gathered at Bristol Community College's Attleboro Center to learn about the resources and collaborations that the colleges and universities have available, to make connections, and to express future needs. Fifteen presenters from six southeastern Massachusetts colleges and universities shared information about projects such as Tech Fairs and career days, web development contests for high school students, professional development programs, STEM-focused summer camps, the Marine Environmental Symposium, lending labs, a traveling geography exhibit, and math and computer science seminars.

The event was co-sponsored by UMASS Dartmouth's Kaput Center. To access the list of programs presented, along with contact information, please visit the Southeastern Massachusetts STEM website.

Some of the feedback heard during the open discussion period:

• A big need is more professional development in science and math for elementary school teachers.
• We need more teachers with certification in physics, chemistry, and engineering as opposed to biology and earth science
• There's a huge divide, amongst community college students, between homes with internet and without. Is there a way to give all kids internet access and find funding for laptops for home use?
• Funding for professional development opportunities is too often cyclical. By the time a program is perfected, the funding is gone.
• There are so many professional development opportunities it is overwhelming. Schools need more basic help in knowing how to choose curriculum and integrating project-based learning and hands-on approaches into curriculum.
• Do any of the colleges have programs/training about how to prevent children from inappropriate use of the internet?
• Rather than us all re-inventing the wheel, it would be great to have models like the expos that several colleges mentioned, "pre-packaged" and portable for implementation elsewhere.

Please join us for the next meeting of Southeastern Massachusetts STEM Network to be scheduled in the fall. The announcement will appear in this newsletter.

Change the Equation - National Report Card on STEM Education

How is Massachusetts stacking up against other states in terms of fourth- and eighth-grade math and science scores, achievement gaps, percentage of bachelor's degrees in STEM Fields, and students in AP courses? Learn more at: this site on STEM education in Massachusetts.

Mashpee High School is Partnering with Becker College

to take advantage of the state's leadership in the burgeoning video game industry -- a field that generates more than $10 billion in revenue, employs over 45,0000 people, and is expected to grow by 29% in the next seven years. To learn more about the Mashpee program, the Becker initiative, and the state's plans for the "digital gaming" industry, click here.