STEM

National PTA's STEM Project Signs Up Math Partner

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 06/16/16

Shortly, the National PTA will be cranking up a STEM initiative first announced last fall. This country-wide alliance of parents and teachers is developing and plans to distribute resources to engage families in science, technology, engineering and math.

To help with the job, the PTA has teamed up with a company that has franchised hundreds of math centers in the United States and Canada. Mathnasium runs standards-based math programs for K-12 students that use face-to-face tutoring sessions. Mathnasium will contribute math resources to the PTA initiative.

The entire project is structured to deliver "100,000 STEM experiences" — hands-on activities — over three years to families, with a particular focus on those in urban areas as well as female and underrepresented students.

"Families play an important role in helping students navigate educational and career decisions and are influencers of students' perceptions of what's possible for their futures," said Executive Director, Nathan Monell, in a prepared statement. "Family engagement is critical to strengthen STEM education, support student success in STEM and inspire children to pursue STEM careers."

National PTA is seeking out additional collaborations with other organizations that can represent the "T" and the "E" in STEM. The project's "S" aspect is being underwritten in part by the Bayer Foundation, which supports a number of science education programs.