Northern Kentucky Receives Grant to Expand STEM2U Program

Friday, March 4, 2022

The Northern Kentucky University Center for Integrative Natural Science and Mathematics (CINSAM) has received a generous grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation to expand CINSAM's STEM2U program, bringing the program into after-school activities at seven local public schools.

Named STEM2U: After School, the adapted program is in partnership with the Clippard Family YMCA in Cincinnati and the Northwest Local School District (NWLSD). Schools in the new program will come from NWLSD, Cincinnati Public Schools and Three Rivers Local Schools.

"The CINSAM Outreach Team is excited to be partnering with the Clippard Family YMCA, and the Northwest Local School District, to bring invigorating, hands-on, minds-on STEM lessons to local after school programs, all thanks to the generosity of the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation," Leslie Silbernagel, STEM outreach director, and Amber Carter, STEM outreach specialist, said. "As a result of this partnership and funding, students in the region will have expanded opportunities to experience STEM learning beyond traditional school hours and to engage in activities that will help prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow, all while helping CINSAM to fulfill its mission to promote enthusiasm, excellence, and equity in STEM education by advancing teaching and learning in the STEM disciplines."

STEM2U brings live, high-quality, hands-on and inquiry-based STEM lessons into classrooms around the region and beyond via Zoom. CINSAM's veteran teachers lead fun lessons like "Winter STEM X Games" and "Leprechaun Traps" that align with science standards. Children spend less than 20 percent of their waking hours in school.

Hands-on STEM teaching has been severely limited by the pandemic for two years and after-school programs can greatly expand access to high-quality STEM lessons. However, most after-school educators are not highly trained in teaching STEM subjects. With the $10,548 grant from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, the STEM2U: After School program will bring weekly access to high-quality STEM lessons for children in a fun and engaging way.