Statewide Pre-engineering Consortium

Vision

Connecting and creating numerous informal learning opportunities available to NH students that use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics that are engaging and promote critical and creative thinking through the application of their learning incorporating problem solving, hands-on learning, career development, and experiences at New Hampshire’s institutes of higher education. Involving New Hampshire K-12 teachers to participate in the planning and development of these learning experiences by collaborating with IHE faculty and staff, developing curriculum that would meet NH standards, and create on-going professional learning communities focused on enhancing STEM content and effective teaching strategies.

Goal

To increase understanding of STEM and related careers through the development and promotion of hands-on learning in all areas of science, technology, and mathematics through engineering and problem solving in informal learning situations for New Hampshire K-12 students and teachers at New Hampshire institutes of higher education.

Rationale

NH is a small state that has many corporations devoted to engineering and engineering technology occupations. There are numerous opportunities for informal learning available to our students, US FIRST, TSA, and many others. Several schools are beginning to offer engineering camps and informal learning. Currently numerous grant opportunities create a competitive situation where cooperation and collaboration would better serve our goals. Therefore, it is hoped that by uniting the K-16 schools and educational institutions and programs throughout NH, that the state will be able to procure funding that would enhance the number, quality, and scope of STEM related programs. This K-16 consortium would reduce duplication of effort, increase the number of students who have successful hands-on learning experiences, increase the number of K-16 teachers who are confident in teaching STEM content and who incorporate engineering and problem solving into their lessons and activities – increasing student interest, competence, and understanding. Through participating in these successful opportunities, more students from across NH would be seeking STEM related careers in higher education and more graduates would enter those fields.

Strategy

Bring together representatives from all participating IHE’s and create guidelines for participating in STEM NH that will allow all participants to have access to grant development and support. Use the collective skills/creativity/experience of these participants to identify and outline how the group will work together to achieve the goals.

Use the search page to find a program, or
Submit your own program to be included in the STEM NH database.