What is STEM?
STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math. Together in education, these contents all share and represent collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking and common life skills. STEM centers in education create student-centered learning environments which support social, emotional, physical, and academic needs.
Today, careers in STEM are rapidly growing and offer more earning potential. Today’s careers require STEM skills at all levels of employment to navigate the modern world. Furthermore, there is an urgent national priority to transform STEM learning and engagement in order to meet the nation’s need for a STEM-skilled workforce.
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation's STEM curriculum is tied to Next Generation Science Standards and meets the needs of both classroom educators and our-of-school time mentors. In addition, STEM education is not limited to the disciplines of just the math and sciences. Providing opportunities in additional coursework in other subject areas and contents provide opportunities for children to improve their literacy, communication, processing and research skills.
A Smart Start with STEM
Harvard deemed the need for a STEM-capable workforce an “urgent national priority.” Our response: inspire a new generation of innovators.
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation sees the STEM education gap as an opportunity to apply key lessons from sports—teamwork, respect, communication, and resilience—to the classroom.
Aiming to increase the number of minority and at-risk youth pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math careers, our STEM program provides interactive afterschool lessons without the pressure of grades. An emphasis on collaboration and critical thinking shapes productive adults with the integrity to initiate positive changes in their communities.
In 2016, we launched the Ripken Foundation STEM Initiative to provide underserved elementary and middle school youth in disadvantaged neighborhoods the opportunity to participate in STEM activities. Today, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has 644 fully operational, turnkey STEM programs in 25 states and D.C., as well as 121 school districts, impacting over 272,784 kids with the help of over 16,172 teachers/educators/mentors.
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Technology and furniture packages
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Educational STEM products with activities
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Elementary and Middle School Curricula
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Educator training to implement STEM programs
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An opportunity to participate in the Ripken Foundation National STEM Challenge
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Ongoing program and technical support
Ripken Foundation STEM Centers are designed for youth organizations and schools to get youth interested in STEM through hands-on learning. Each STEM Center comes fully equipped with the latest technology, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation STEM Center Curriculum Guidebook for mentors, and customizable tool kits that include hands-on games and activities.
For more information on our STEM program, please log in to our resource portal to access curriculum, trainings, and so much more!
Students who live in underserved communities typically lack access to what are now considered STEM basics: up-to-date labs, laptop or tablet computers and access to the Internet.
