As an education leader, the Urban League of Greater Chattanooga has served thousands of K-12 students, providing academic, social, and personal development to support their success in the 21st century—all with a goal to ensure our community's disadvantaged youth are given an opportunity to succeed in school and life. Providing research-based, hands-on math and science activities, the STEM Academy was launched to significantly improve students' TCAP standardized test scores in math and science and to introduce students to the variety of STEM careers available. The program engages highly-qualified teachers to facilitate the Carnegie Mellon, VEX Curriculum 2.0: Learning and Exploration and Robotics Design. In conjunction with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the program also utilizes A World in Motion, a teacher-administered, industry volunteer-assisted program that brings STEM education to life in the classroom for students.  A World in Motion is benchmarked to national standards and incorporates the laws of physics, flight and electronics into age-appropriate hands-on activities that reinforce classroom STEM curriculum.

The STEM Academy impacts five middle schools and takes place after school, 2-3 days a week, giving participants an additional 6-9 hours of hands-on instruction in mathematics and science each week. The STEM Academy also includes a STEM summer camp to build on skills learned throughout the academic year. The program is aligned with Tennessee State Curriculum Standards and includes opportunities to increase reading and writing proficiency.

Impact

• More than 390 students have participated in the STEM Academy since its inception in 2008.
• Average student gain 31.65% in Reading/Language Arts; 31.92% Mathematics
• Students reported a 20% increase in their knowledge of STEM Careers and their desire to learn more about careers in science and technology.

For more information, or to enroll, please contact Alysia Najjar at 423-756-1762.