It is estimated that by 2018, the U.S. will have more than 1.2 million unfilled jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) career fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM jobs represent more than one out of every 10 jobs in the U.S. and have wages approximately twice the nation’s average.

A recent report by the U.S. News/Raytheon STEM Index indicated that while the number of STEM jobs continues to grow, the education-to-employment pipeline is not producing enough talent to meet the nation’s future employment needs. 

Creating a pipeline for students to engage in rigorous, relevant curriculum of academic study to advance their knowledge in STEM areas is the focus of the Valdosta Middle School STEM Academy.

Middle school is a critical time to promote an awareness of STEM areas. During this time, students begin developing interests and hobbies that often lead them to a career choice or professional focus.

According to Project Lead the Way (PLTW)—the nation’s leading provider of K-12 STEM programs—even with the vast opportunities available in STEM professions 75 percent of students deemed talented in math and science decide not to pursue STEM degrees in college.

With funding from PLTW, VMS will launch the first STEM Academy within a public middle school in South Georgia. Starting with the 2016-2017 academic year, approximately 100 sixth-graders will represent the first STEM Academy cohort. Students selected for the STEM Academy will continue the program into their seventh and eighth grade years. 

According to VMS Principal Beth DeLoach, academy students will receive STEM-related instruction within every content area (English, social studies and language arts) in addition to an accelerated curriculum in math and science.

“When they leave as eighth-graders they will have earned one high school credit in math and one in science,” said DeLoach. “They will also receive opportunities to participate in off-campus learning experiences including working with STEM companies in our community.”

Under the PLTW curriculum, students engage in solving problems related to real-world challenges. The curriculum includes foundational units focused on design and modeling and automation and robotics, as well as specialized classes in space exploration, energy and the environment, computer science, health care, architecture and technology. 

“The academy is an incubator for the STEM fields here in South Georgia,” said Matt Cribbs, VMS academic coach. “Part of the curriculum will involve students completing projects that are relevant to industries in South Georgia.” 

Through engagement of industry experts and sponsorship opportunities, corporate participation is a vital component of the STEM Academy’s success. 

“We need local industries and businesses to provide opportunities for students to see what working in a STEM job looks like,” Cribbs said. “They need to know what problems they will solve and how to work in these jobs.”

Corporate partners will engage with the students and share their professional expertise and knowledge of STEM areas to help students complete an interdisciplinary project.

“We want to expose the students to real STEM jobs in the community,” said Alex Alvarez, Valdosta City Schools Teaching and Learning coordinator. “The students need to learn problem-solving skills like critical thinking.” 

Volunteers are needed to serve as mentors, assist with projects, and speak on a variety of STEM related topics. 

“This is a way to cultivate businesses locally. We want to grow more STEM industries in the area as a way to develop pathways for students to get jobs here,” said Cribbs. “We want these kids to stay here after graduation and continue to grow this area.” 

The VMS Academy is also requesting financial contributions to fund projects, purchase equipment, and sponsor site visits to STEM companies.

The following sponsorship levels area available:

$500 (Bronze)

$1,000 (Silver)

$2,500 (Gold)

$5,000 (Platinum)

$25,000 (STEM Lab Retrofit)

$25,000 (STEM Tech Lab Retrofit) 

To become a Valdosta Middle School STEM Academy volunteer or donor, call VMS at 229-333-8555 or email Matt Cribbs at [email protected].