The College of Education & Human Development’s Raggio Center for Advancement in (STEM)2 received a subaward grant for $280,063 for the STEM and Educator Student Partnership. The million dollar total grant from the U.S. Department of Education is a collaboration between the University of Nevada, Reno; the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
The STEM and Educator Student Partnership (SESP) project aims to provide Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) exposure and experiences to college students majoring in STEM and education fields, while providing support and enhanced STEM resources for Nevada’s educators.
This project will increase STEM content knowledge and pedagogy of undergraduate education and STEM majors, provide professional development for educators and undergraduate STEM and education majors, and increase the quantity and accessibility of STEM education resources. This project will better prepare all parties to deliver scientifically sound and engaging STEM content to students.
“We are excited that this funding will support undergraduate interns and in-service educator fellows to identify and address school specific STEM needs,” Mandi Collins, Ph.D., the project subaward PI and Raggio Center director, said. “Our undergraduate students benefit from more classroom experience, and our in-service educator fellows will benefit from additional supports to bring quality STEM instruction to their elementary learners.”
$5,000 Paid internship for undergraduate students
During the 2023-2024 academic year, 30 paid internships for $5,000 each will be awarded to University of Nevada, Reno undergraduate students. Among them, 15 will be dedicated STEM majors from the College of Science; College of Engineering; College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources; and School of Public Health, while the remaining 15 will have majors in elementary education.
There student interns will embark on a transformative journey facilitated by paid internships, each valued at $5,000. Collaborating with K-5 classroom teachers, these interns will not only bolster the educational environment but also immerse themselves in STEM content and pedagogical strategies. Through classroom engagement, co-teaching endeavors and the creation of tailored educational materials, they will contribute to addressing specific STEM needs in their respective schools.
Undergraduate students with 30 or more credits, majoring in a STEM content area or elementary education with a 2.5 GPA or higher, are encouraged to apply for the internship by Sept. 1 for the Fall 2023 semester.
“I am excited to see how the long-term collaboration between experienced educators and undergraduate education and STEM majors leads to their learning and growth in teaching and communicating about STEM concepts,” Megan Beckam, Ph.D., the project Co-PI, said.
$5,361 Paid stipend for educators
Experienced elementary educators are encouraged to partner with undergraduate education and STEM students to improve STEM teaching in their classrooms. Fifteen in-service educators in Washoe County will receive the $5,361 stipend. K-5 classroom teachers with five or more years of teaching and at least .5 years of mentoring experience are encouraged to apply for the $5,361 stipend by Sept. 1 for the fall 2023 semester.
The Raggio Center for Advancement in (STEM)2 promotes teaching, research and service in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Additionally, the Center serves as a nexus for synergistic partnerships that will advance teaching and learning through educational research and maximized engagement and outreach.
For more information about the STEM Educator and Student Partnership, email Mandi Collins.
