NEF Opens STEM+ Academies in High-Poverty Districts

The National Education Foundation (NEF), a nation nonprofit provider of STEM+ education, has entered a private-public partnership with the State University of New York, TEKSystems, Pearson Education, and Skillsoft to launch Cyberlearning STEM+ Academies in 14 high-poverty school districts during the 2013-2014 school year.

STEM+ education includes science, technology, engineering, math, English, social studies, SAT/ACT, IT, and business. According to information provided by the NEF, the United States ranks 25th out of 34 countries in math and 17th out of 34 countries in science. With the creation of these new Cyberlearning STEM+ Academies, the NEF aims to close the STEM+ skills gap in the country and support the larger American Competitiveness Initiative, which seeks to keep the United States competitive in STEM-related fields.

Cities where the Cyberlearning STEM+ Academies will open are:

  • Merrillville, IN;
  • Wendell, ID;
  • Salida, CA;
  • Garvey, CA;
  • Kansas City, KS;;
  • Fort Meade, MD;
  • Center Line, MI;
  • Mesick, MI;
  • Canton, NY;
  • Tri-Valley, PA;
  • Williamsburg, SC;
  • Dallas;
  • Laredo, TX; and
  • Seattle, WA.

The Cyberlearning STEM+ Academies will incorporate personalized learning, teacher stipends, learning management systems, mentoring, motivational rewards for students and parents, teacher training, and tech support. The educational programs at the school are intended to advance a student one grade level in a subject in 20 to 30 hours of learning hours.

Further information about the National Education Foundation's Cyberlearning STEM+ Academies can be found on the NEF's site.

About the Author

Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].

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