13 Groups to Pursue STEM Equity with ED Funding

The United States Department of Education is looking to give girls a boost in science and math. ED revealed this week that it will fund projects from 13 organizations to help high school girls improve their proficiency in STEM subjects.

The four-year grants are being provided under the Department of Education's Women's Educational Equity Act Program. The 13 groups--ranging from K-12 school districts to research organizations to universities--will receive a total of about $2.4 million in first-year funding. The grants focus on meeting the requirements of Title IX (aiming to eliminate inequities based on sex), with a particular emphasis this year on "activities to help at-risk students meet challenging state academic standards and graduate," according to information released by ED.

"These grants go hand-in-glove with our efforts to improve equity and access for women and girls in the classroom and on the playing field," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, in a statement released this week. "While much has been accomplished since Title IX was enacted, we must continue to push for further progress. Fairness and equity continue to be important issues that contribute to gaps in achievement between students. For this reason, the Obama Administration strives to remove the obstacle of gender discrimination as a way to increase access to college and careers for all students."

Of the 63 applicants, the 13 selected for funding included: Pittsburgh Public Schools in Pennsylvania; Sonoma State University in California; Chicago Public Schools in Illinois; Northwest Vista College in Texas; Berea College in Kentucky; North Wasco County School District #21 in Oregon; Hmong American Partnership in Minnesota; Spokane Public Schools School District #81 in Washington; the California State University Foundation; the Research Foundation of SUNY in New York; Jefferson County Board of Education in Kentucky; Adult Learning Programs of Alaska; and Queens Community House in New York.

Further information can be found here.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


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