The National Guard Youth Foundation (NGYF) and Michael Baker International, a provider of engineering, consulting, planning, technical and professional services, have announced the results of a pilot program that engaged participants of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Data from the pilot program-executed at 15 ChalleNGe programs across the country-show the course significantly increased awareness of and interest in STEM careers, particularly among those underrepresented in STEM-minorities and girls.
"Programs like this are often the spark that leads young men and women to discover their passion for science and can put them on the path to promising STEM careers," said Kurt Bergman, CEO of Michael Baker International."It is important to bring STEM education to as many students as possible and, as a company with an employee population heavily focused on STEM, we are honored to support the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program."
In its first phase, the Radius-STEM Readiness course, developed by education technology company EverFi, has engaged more than 600 ChalleNGe cadets in over 3,000 hours of learning in areas such as HTML coding, unit conversion, probability, linear equations, functions and cryptography. The Web-based course uses online gaming and simulations to teach technology and coding skills, ignite interest in STEM and expose students to STEM careers that they might never have dreamed were within their reach.
Of the participants, 56 percent represented ethnic minorities, while 24 percent were female. More than half of the participants reported that they were not aware of STEM careers or were not encouraged in STEM by their community prior to participating in the program. According to a post-program survey, 52 percent of participating minorities and 54 percent of participating females reported they would like to have a job in STEM as a result of the program, with civil engineering being reported as one of the top five career paths they would like to take.
"We are grateful to have significant support from Michael Baker International, which has enabled us to provide EverFi's Radius-STEM Readiness course to ChalleNGe cadets and expose them-many of whom would not have the opportunity otherwise-to career opportunities in the STEM field," said Allyson Solomon, President of NGYF.
NGYF plans to expand the STEM curriculum to all 36 ChalleNGe programs across the country.
For more information contact:
Michael Baker International
500 Grant Street, Suite 5400
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-269-6300 / 800-553-1153
www.mbakerintl.com
National Guard Youth Foundation
415 North Lee Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-5437 / 866-684-5437
www.ngyf.org