Newport News Public Schools awarded $2 million DoDEA grant for STEM education
Posted: October 3, 2024
The Department of Defense Education Activity has awarded a $2 million grant to Newport News Public Schools for STEM education.
The funding from the DoDEA, which coordinates PK-12 educational programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense, is part of the Mission STEM: Pioneering Pathways in Robotics and Space Exploration initiative. The grant will provide STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – learning opportunities for students in 12 NNPS schools, serving grade levels from elementary through high school.
“We are honored and grateful to receive this significant grant from the DoDEA,” said NNPS Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell. “It will allow us to build on our strong STEM offerings for students and provide them with additional opportunities to explore the many ways to apply those skills.”
The five-year grant will increase STEM education through after-school robotics programs and space camps, including an overnight summer space camp for high school students at Wallops Island. Students will have the opportunity to work with STEM professionals and explore future career paths in the fields of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence.
NNPS will establish a new partnership with the Virginia Space Flight Academy to bring new and innovative STEM programs to students. VSFA provides space adventure camps, STEM academy experiences and scholarships for students nationwide to expand access to cutting-edge learning experiences, career pathways and mentorship to create opportunities and increase interest in STEM careers, according to its website.
“The grant will engage our students in cutting-edge land, air and sea robotics as they advance coding skills to develop autonomous systems,” said Tami Byron, NNPS STEM instructional supervisor. “We are thrilled to partner with the Virginia Space Flight Academy to bring new STEM programs aligned to space missions for NNPS students.”
The DoDEA grant will play a crucial role in increasing student interest in STEM careers and enhancing their ability to apply science and engineering practices, which are emphasized throughout the Virginia Science Standards of Learning, according to Byron.
The project will also provide professional development for teachers, ensuring they are equipped to coach robotics teams and lead engaging STEM activities.
