"SWEPT" Delivers Real-Life Training
The Scientific Work Experience Program for Teachers (SWEPT) exposes K-12 teachers to real-life applications of their curricular subjects through paid on-the-job opportunities in workplace and research settings.
Through participation in a typical multi-week summer SWEPT, teachers gain leadership and communication skills; insights into corporate culture, business needs and the skills necessary for student workplace success; career awareness and examples to make science, mathematics and technology instruction more relevant to students.
To assist communities in establishing or expanding this work experience program, the non-profit Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education offers a collaboratively developed how-to guide and video. Plus, with funding from the NSF, the coalition makes available a host of field consultants with experience in program development, funding, recruiting partners and classroom transfer of work experiences.
Others collaborating on SWEPT include NASA, D'E, University of Missouri-St. Louis and Schools Initiating an Ongoing Network. For more information, e-mail: swept@triangle.mste.org. Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education, College Park, MD, (301) 220-0873.
This article originally appeared in the 03/01/1996 issue of THE Journal.