STEM News and Opportunities
STEM News

Forbes
Howard Elias, an executive with EMC, calls for businesses to get engaged with STEM education in order to fill in-demand jobs. Companies "must recognize the challenge, seize the initiative, and accelerate viable solutions to address this pressing need."

BestCollegesOnline.com
STEM education teachers may be able to discover valuable resources and advice, learn about news and developments in the field and find opportunities to share and engage with other STEM educators on Twitter. You can also follow PLTW on Twitter at @PLTWorg.
Around the PLTW Network

Project Lead The Way
CaliforniaBiomedical Sciences students at University City High School in San Diego wrote grant proposals to outfit a Ugandan school with science equipment.

Living Lake Country
WisconsinPower Test, a manufacturer of dynamometers and control systems, donated 60 new dial calipers to the Hamilton School District for use in its PLTW programs.

Payson Roundup
ArizonaAMERESCO, an alternative energy company, donated $30,000 to support Payson Unified School District's PLTW programs.

GoUpstate.com
South CarolinaBroome High School Teacher Doug Purinton helped write the U.S. Department of Energy's new Geothermal Energy Teacher's Guide for grades nine through 12.

Hartford Courant
ConnecticutThe New Britain Academy for Health Professions opened its new Skills Lab that will help advance classroom learning and sharpen college and career readiness skills.

San Jose State University
CaliforniaSan Jose State University and Xilinx hosted a workshop aimed to help participants enhance their PLTW programs by forming and sustaining successful partnerships.

If you have news you would like to share with the PLTW Network, email Trevor Sparks.
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Classroom Opportunities

NASA Design Challenge 

Students solve a problem for a chance to be mentored in a virtual world setting. Register by Jan. 27.

 

DuPont Essay Competition 

Students outline their contributions to a better society. Entries due Jan. 31.

 

Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision 

Students imagine what technology might be like in the future. Projects are due Feb. 1.

 

Wildlife Conservation Youth Engagement Grants 

New OpportunityGrants of $1,000 to implement a wildlife conservation project in your local school or community. Apply by Feb. 1.  

 

Extreme Redesign 3D Printing Challenge
Students submit their most creative, useful and innovative designs. Entries due by Feb. 2.

 

NEEF Sustainable Energy Award
New OpportunityThree schools will be recognized as models with each winning school receiving $10,000 to further their initiatives. Apply by Feb. 10. 

 

Intel Schools of Distinction 

Schools must meet or exceed national mathematics and science content standards. Register by Feb. 23.

 

STEM Video Game Challenge 

Taps into students' natural passion for playing and making video games. Submit ideas and games by Mar. 12.

 

More student competitions 

 
Quote for the Week
"This technical skills vacuum creates an untenable situation for many companies and directly impacts our national economy, since we rely on innovators and innovation to generate the products, services and wealth that have made the United States the world's primary engine of economic growth and the most prosperous nation in the world for more than a century." -- Howard Elias, President and Chief Operating Officer, Information Infrastructure and Cloud Services, EMC

Do Americans Have 21st Century Job Skills?