STEM Initiative
Melinda Clynes |
Friday, July 19, 2013
The STEM Initiative is one of three primary priority areas at the Detroit Public Schools Foundation. The foundation focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), recognizing the importance of high-tech jobs and wanting to ensure that DPS students gain the knowledge and skills during their K-12 education to go on to advanced studies or to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.
Michigan Nightlight: What really differentiates this program?
Detroit Public Schools Foundation President Glenda Price: The Foundation provides funding to schools and teachers in all aspects of science and technology. The goal is to stimulate creativity, enthusiasm, and innovation. We support hands-on activities that lead to greater understanding of the world of science.
What are the keys to success for your program?
We have been successful because we respond to demonstrated need. Teachers and program providers indicate specific
We support hands-on activities that lead to greater understanding of the world of science.
objectives to be accomplished and they know what it takes to achieve them. Our role is to provide the financial resources for them to meet the objectives.
What existing challenges remain with this program and how do you plan to overcome them?
Our greatest challenge is raising the funds to respond positively to all of the needs. There are many good ideas, great programs, and wonderful experiential opportunities. Unfortunately we do not have sufficient dollars to grant to fulfill all those needs. We simply continue to ask for support and tell the story of the life changing moments the can be achieved with community support.
How do race or diversity affect the work of your program?
...there is, in society in general, a feeling that African American children do not do well in STEM fields. This is not true when they are given the educational tools to rise to the mandates of math, science and technology. Part of our task is to assist in dispelling the myth.
The student population of Detroit Public Schools is overwhelmingly African American. This is not a problem in and of itself. However, there is, in society in general, a feeling that African American children do not do well in STEM fields. This is not true when they are given the educational tools to rise to the mandates of math, science and technology. Part of our task is to assist in dispelling the myth.
How does your program take a collective, collaborative approach to creating systemic change for children?
Because we do not operate programs directly, our work by its very nature is collaborative. We work with teachers, school leaders, administrators, nonprofit organizations, and others to give experiences to children that will enhance their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. We have many partners that are funders and supporters as well as program implementers. We could not do it without these partners.