Selected News

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Widefield School District 3 leaders and students from Webster Elementary hold a banner thanking DODEA for supporting the district's STEM & Innovation department. back row: Superintendent Aaron Hoffman, Coordinator of Grants & STEM Programming Nat Sobin, and Director of Innovation & Alternative Education Shane Skalla; front row K-5 elementary students from Webster Elementary)
 

---

Widefield School District 3 was just awarded a $2 million 2024 Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) grant. As a military-connected district, the grant will help fund science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) experiential learning for all students, K-12.

"We are incredibly grateful for DoDEA’s investment in STEM education within our district and for their support and commitment in helping us develop the next generation of scientists, engineers, and technology leaders. This funding not only enhances the resources and opportunities available to our elementary students, but also fosters a culture of innovation and critical thinking that will benefit all of our students for years to come,” said Superintendent Aaron Hoffman.

Kindergartners through fifth graders will have the opportunity to engage with a robust system of STEM materials. Resources will include kits with contextual science experiments, technology projects, engineering challenges, math activities and cutting-edge makerspace equipment for specific age groups.

STEM education gives Widefield students better opportunities. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics cites:

• As of May 2023, STEM workers earned a median annual wage of $101,650 compared to $46,680 for non-STEM occupations, representing a significant increase from 2022, when the median wage for STEM workers was $97,980.

• STEM occupations are expected to grow by 10.8 percent between 2022 and 2032, compared to 2.3 percent for non-STEM occupations.

• The BLS projects some 11,487,400 STEM job openings in 2030, twice as many as non-STEM job openings.

"Introducing students early to STEM programming is key for equipping them with the skills they will need to thrive in our competitive job market," said Shane Skalla, Director of Innovation & Alternative Education. "STEM-skilled graduates are highly sought after by employers across various industries, giving them a clear advantage in the workforce."

Innovation and grant-writing isn’t for the faint of heart. 

Dr. Nat Sobin, Coordinator of Grants & STEM Programs, ought to know. He’s successfully written federal, state and private grants and put numerous STEM programs into place. His passion is providing equitable opportunities for all students to build next-generation STEM skillsets.

“We strive for interconnected learning that progressively bridges horizontally and vertically throughout each grade,” said Sobin, a former engineer who’s been with the district for 10 years. “We want to build a sustainable platform so that STEM learning becomes a core educational component, no matter what career path students may choose,” he said.

There is excitement among principals and teachers about the new resources for little learners.

“The resources will allow students to engage in STEM learning and activities in all elementary grade levels, kinder through 5th grades,” said Michelle Blasko, Principal at French Elementary. “The hands-on materials will allow teachers to facilitate high-quality instruction and allow students to engage critically in STEM reading, thinking, writing, and creating.”