The development of STEM curriculum continues across the state.
The Mississippi Department of Education has announced that 15 school districts will share nearly $900,000 in grants to establish or enhance programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in kindergarten through 8th grade.
“These grants will help schools increase opportunities for students to explore STEM education in elementary and middle school so they will be better prepared for STEM courses in high school,” said Dr. Nathan Oakley, chief academic officer. “STEM-related professions are growing, and there is an increasing demand for high school and college graduates with expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) awarded funding for the K-8 STEM Initiative Enhancement Project Grant to support the implementation of STEM activities in classrooms and coursework while providing technology upgrades and educator training to implement STEM applications.
Priority was given to schools implementing engineering, computer science, robotics, and other project-based STEM activities to expand the current Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards for math and/or science K-8.
The following districts and schools were selected to receive the grant through a competitive ‘request for application’ process:
1. Corinth School District – Corinth Elementary School and Corinth Middle School
2. Greene County School District – Leakesville Junior High School, McLain Attendance Center and Sand Hill School
3. Kemper County School District – West Kemper Elementary School
4. Lamar County School District – Oak Grove Primary
5. Lauderdale County School District – Clarkdale Middle School, Northeast Middle School, Southeast Middle School and West Lauderdale Middle School
6. McComb School District – Summit Elementary School
7. Neshoba County Schools – Neshoba Central Elementary School and Neshoba Central Middle School
8. North Panola School District – Como Primary School and North Panola Middle School
9. Pearl Public School District – Pearl Junior High School
10. Pontotoc City School District – DT Cox Elementary School and Pontotoc Elementary School
11. Rankin County School District – Brandon Middle School
12. Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District – Armstrong Middle School,
Henderson Ward Stewart Elementary, Overstreet Elementary School, and Sudduth Elementary School
13. Wayne County School District – Buckatunna School, Clara School, and Wayne Central School
14. Webster County – East Webster Elementary and Eupora Elementary
15. Winona – Montgomery Consolidated School District – Winona Elementary School and Winona Secondary School
