Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is prevalent in almost every field and career. By fostering discovery, engagement and learning in small teams, children are able to develop significant cognitive and interpersonal skills through STEM topics. Moreover, students will gain confidence as they are exposed to diverse integrated experiences, engage in problem solving with others, and then share their work while they showcase their progress.

Key research shows that exposing children to STEM practices in context at an early age assists them in a variety of learning skills and competencies. Additionally, allowing children to work in small groups with hands-on minds-on activities aids in many areas of learning and social development. Finally, providing opportunities to share and showcase work while responding to challenges and exploring different types of competitions leads to a greater success in both STEM and in pursuit of other endeavors. The resources provided here are meant to assist parents, educators and other stakeholders to facilitate these engagements for children in all settings and situations.

TOOLS FOR TEACHERS GUIDE

• A professional learning resource co-designed with over 100 teachers from six New Jersey districts.
• This guide was created through the generous funding of Howmet Aerospace Foundation.
• The aim of this project was to study and share materials and resources for teachers that can aid in STEM education especially in times of remote instruction and responses to crisis situations.

HANDS-ON STEM GUIDE

• A professional learning resource developed by NJIT researchers, public and private partners (including Apple and the U.S. ARMY), and tested with our NJ school district partners.
• This guide was created through the generous funding of the National Science Foundation through the NSF INCLUDES Life grant and support from Howmet Aerospace Foundation grants.
• The aim of this project was to expose elementary school students to interactive STEM activities through STEM-based clubs in their schools.

STEM IN YOUR HOME

• Our YouTube channel, which houses videos on activities and lesson plans developed by our educators and student STEM role models.
• These videos detail an activity, promote STEM, and answer questions as a way to support educators, parents, and other stakeholders as they help kids practice hands-on STEM at home.

STEM RESOURCES

• All of our STEM resources, accessible and searchable on the NJIT STEM for Success Digital Commons.
• As we continue our work, updated versions of these materials will be released periodically.

© 2021 by NJIT's Collaborative for Leadership, Education, and Assessment Research (CLEAR)

• We acknowledge support for Leadership and iSTEAM for Females in Elementary School (LiFE) and STEM for Success from the National Science Foundation under award number #1744490 and from Howmet Aerospace Foundation.
• Contact Us | Follow Us on Twitter

VALUES:

PRINCIPLES:

PHILOSOPHY:

How we collaborate: Co-Design with Community

ORIGIN:

STEM for Success has grown out of the research in our NSF INCLUDES Design and Development Launch Pilot (DDLP) project entitled, “Leadership and iSTEAM for Females in Elementary Schools (LiFE)” #1744490. LiFE supported STEM/STEAM clubs (mostly) for girls in grades 2-6 to provide positive STEM experiences along with support from female role models and opportunities to gain leadership, communication, technology, teamwork and other 21st century skills so that they persist in STEM study. We transitioned LiFE into STEM for Success, which sustains and grows the broadening participation work. It works to support all stakeholders to promote hands-on STEM experiences for all learners.

© 2021 by NJIT's Collaborative for Leadership, Education, and Assessment Research (CLEAR)

• We acknowledge support for Leadership and iSTEAM for Females in Elementary School (LiFE) and STEM for Success from the National Science Foundation under award number #1744490 and from Howmet Aerospace Foundation.
• Contact Us | Follow Us on Twitter

What is STEM for Success?

STEM for Success is an integrated program to broaden participation in STEM, especially for those in traditionally underrepresented groups, by fostering collaborative change. Through sustained community engagement and STEM experiences for kids, the program provides opportunities for students to share and showcase STEM accomplishments. STEM for Success helps students develop 21st century skills, including growth mindset, critical thinking, reflection, problem solving, leadership, communication, collaboration, and other essential skills that enable them to become productive members of the future workforce. 

The three initiatives of STEM for Success are:

• HANDS-ON STEM – Provide resources that help students, parents, facilitators and educators engage in minds on, hands-on STEM.
• ACTIVE LEARNING ACADEMY – Provide STEM professional development and fosters professional learning communities around Active Learning, which promotes self-efficacy and the desire to deepen knowledge among students and educators.
• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – We invite you to get involved in our community! Share your expertise and collaborate with our partners to promote success through STEM for all.

© 2021 by NJIT's Collaborative for Leadership, Education, and Assessment Research (CLEAR)

• We acknowledge support for Leadership and iSTEAM for Females in Elementary School (LiFE) and STEM for Success from the National Science Foundation under award number #1744490 and from Howmet Aerospace Foundation.
• Contact Us | Follow Us on Twitter