Discover the STEM Toolkit
Underserved students are less likely to major in or have a career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Therefore, a group of GEAR UP professionals came together to address this persistent challenge through a design thinking process known as a Discovery Lab.
The result: NCCEP’s STEM Toolkit, which encourages GEAR UP programs to implement STEM activities and connect them to college and career. No matter your background or level of expertise in STEM, this practical guide includes recommendations, lessons learned, and a list of resources to get you started. The toolkit also contains over 20 different STEM activities created or curated by the group and our national partners.
Photo: Vermont State GEAR UP
Why use the STEM Toolkit
Why should your GEAR UP program use the STEM Toolkit? Here’s what its co-creators have to say:
STEM is FUN!
Make STEM more accessible to students
Engage your students with relevant STEM activities
It’s a resource that can help teachers imagine what’s possible in their classrooms
Because you just want a couple of quick steps in the direction of STEM
COOL activities that will get students excited about new career / college opportunities
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this project!
Just a few of the many people who contributed to the STEM Toolkit.
Steering Committee
Appalachian State University GEAR UP (NC): Dr. James Beeler; Dougherty County School System GEAR UP (GA): Dr. Alana Simmons; Louisiana GEAR UP: Dr. Tireka Cobb; Indiana GEAR UP: Dr. Virginia Bolshakova
Discovery Lab Participants
Appalachian State University GEAR UP (NC): Doug Thompson; Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP: Loran L Mayes; GEAR UP Manchester (NH): Emily Yunes and Thaline Rodene; GEAR UP New Mexico: Aaron Mitchell; GEAR UP Opportunity / Berea College (KY): Tami Herrell; GEAR UP Wyoming: Madison Bloodgood; Indiana GEAR UP: Brooke Stafford and Joshua Faith; Iredell-Statesville Schools GEAR UP (NC): Laura LaLonde; Jubilee Academies GEAR UP (TX): Arturo Alva Jr.; Louisiana GEAR UP: Felicia Armand, Jenny Moran, and Thomas Rudd; Massachusetts GEAR UP: Christine Scafidi; Michigan GEAR UP: Laura Saavedra; Nevada GEAR UP: Jana Burd, Janet Stake, and Nicole Stella; Pennsylvania GEAR UP: Amber Kelly; Region 12 GEAR UP (TX): Aimee Castillo-Griffin; University of Washington GEAR UP Achievers: Kristen Yip; Vermont GEAR UP: Anita Long; Washington State University Tri-Cities GEAR UP: Michelle Parvinen
Partners
