STEM.org
STEM.org is an American multinational education company[1] based in Southfield, Michigan.[2] The organization was founded in 2001 by Andrew B. Raupp[1] under the name "Initiative Science," despite conducting outreach programs in all STEM fields[3] (previously SMET).[4] By 2014, STEM.org had been recognized by the United States Senate for having worked with over 100,000 students, through partnerships with schools involving collaborative educational activities.[1] In K-12 education, STEM.org has worked with private, public, and charter schools.[5]
Services
STEM.org's services include curriculum evaluation and development,[5] STEM-credentialing of people and programs,[6] and production of various STEM-related content through public-private consulting partnerships.[5] The organization has STEM-accredited schools through professional development training events,[7] which involved school educators learning pedagogical methodology.[8]
History
Origin (2000-2001)
STEM.org began as a science-based field trip in southwest Detroit, Michigan.[6] Returning to the neighborhood where he lived as a child, Andrew B. Raupp took part in a community cleaning and gardening project in the summer of 2000.[5] In doing so, Raupp connected with his old classmates’ younger siblings, whom he taught how to grow vegetable gardens while they joined him in the project.[5] As a reward, Raupp rented a bus and took the children on trips to a local natural area, where they learned about various science concepts.[5] After the summer project ended, schools in southwest Detroit hired Raupp to conduct more educational programs.[5]
Growth (2001-2014)
Andrew B. Raupp founded the organization in 2001, originally working with 50 K-12 students.[5] By December 2014, STEM.org grew to having worked with over 142,500 K-12 students.[5]
Evolution (2014-2016)
As of 2016, STEM.org is a multimillion-dollar pedagogics firm that has worked with international schools in Jordan and Jamaica, as well as over 1,700 schools in the US.[5] The organization has shifted focus from direct student programming to creating sustainable change in education by employing experts in curriculum development and working with policymakers on vertical and horizontal platforms.[5]
Awards
- 2015 – Corp! Magazine, "DiSciTech Award Winner"[6]
- 2014 – Southfield Chamber of Commerce, "Southfield Company to Watch"[9]
- 2014 – Small Business Administration, "Emerging Leader"[10]
- 2013 – Michigan Career Educator & Employer Alliance, "Employer of the Year"[11]
References
- "Nixa's JTSD receives STEM accreditation", Christian County Headliner News, Ozark, MO, 28 January 2015. Retrieved on 25 March 2015.
- Zemke, Jon. "STEM Aims to Reinvent Education", Southeast Michigan Startup, Detroit, MI, 15 August 2014. Retrieved on 22 April 2015.
- Sands, David. "Detroit Public Schools Students Show STEM Skills At White House Science Fair", The Huffington Post, Detroit, MI, 8 February 2012. Retrieved on 25 March 2015.
- https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42642.pdf
- Rahman, Raad. "Revolutionizing STEM Education: One Detroit Man’s Extraordinary Story", The Stewardship Report, Detroit, MI, 4 January 2016. Retrieved on 17 August 2016.
- Dybis, Karen. "Innovation at Core of 2015 DiSciTech Award Winners", Corp! Magazine, Southfield, MI, 26 February 2015. Retrieved on 22 August 2016.
- Hetrick, Katie. "McCollough-Unis first public school to be STEM certified", Press & Guide, Dearborn, MI, 27 March 2014. Retrieved on 25 March 2015.
- Greene, Julie. "Active Learning Style Helps School in Nixa Become Missouri’s First STEM Accredited Public School", KSMU, Springfield, MO, 12 February 2015. Retrieved on 25 March 2015.
- "Annual Awards", Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Southfield, MI. Retrieved on 30 March 2015.
- Gase, Catherine. "SBA Honors Detroit Emerging Leaders Graduates", Small Business Administration, Washington DC, 5 November 2014. Retrieved on 30 March 2015.
- "Employer of the Year Award", Michigan Career Educator & Employer Alliance, Lansing, MI. Retrieved on 30 March 2015.