STEM Youth Apprenticeship & High School Students May 18, 2010 DWD Workforce Programs

Why do educators still use the same curriculum & ways of teaching?

What is STEM? Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math 1.One of 16 Career Clusters 2.An integrated Educational Approach

STEM as a Career Cluster 16 Career Clusters developed in partnership with DOL, DOE, Business & Industry in 2001 Transition from education to career Blending academics in CTE classes based on knowledge & skills needed for career opportunities Used mainly by CTE, Guidance, Work-based Learning programs and WI Technical Colleges

STEM as Integrated Education Academics coupled with real-world lessons in application Not a new name for traditional teaching of math & science Provide for: Scientists to do R&D for economic growth Tech proficient workers in hi tech worksites Scientifically literate citizenry

Why do we need STEM? Are we going to make everyone a scientist? Problem Solving skills Knowledge based economy Mid to Hi Skills jobs & careers Situate the US in the forefront of research, innovation and technology – Knowledge is widespread and low-cost labor is readily available globally

What about those kids who don’t care? Improving Dropouts’ Chances of Staying in School – Based on HS Dropout Responses Opportunities for real-world learning to make classroom more relevant (81% agree) Better teachers who keep classes interesting (81% agree) Smaller classes with more individual instruction (75% agree) Better communication between parents and school, get parents more involved (71% agree) Parents make sure their kids go to school every day (71% agree) Increase supervision at school; ensure students attend classes (70%) Source: Catherine Gewertz, “H.S. Dropouts Say Lack of Motivation Top Reason to Quit,” Education Week, Vol. 25, No. 26. March 8, p. 14.

YA Program Purpose 1.Legislated school-to-work program 2.Managed by DWD 3.Provide core Job and Industry-Wide skills 4.Post-secondary educational advancement 5.Integrate work-based learning in the school and worksite 6.Different from School To Work Co-Op and Youth Options Apprentices exposed to an occupational cluster; not just 1 job Skills standardized statewide Not just taking a college class

YA Program Requirements 1.Paid on the job experience and learning 2.Uses skilled job-site mentors 3.Demonstrate skill competencies thru performance evaluation 4.YA Program Completion: State issued skill certificate (DWD) HS diploma (HS) Credit at a Wisconsin TC (TC)

YA Program Timeframes 1. Two year program (Level II)- STANDARD 900 hours of work site learning 360 hours of related classroom instruction OR 2. One year program (Level I)- OPTION 450 hours of work site learning 180 hours of related classroom instruction

Current YA Programs in STEM Drafting & Design – Engineering – Core Abilities – Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) – Engineering Graphics – Principles of Engineering Number of YAs: 29

Current YA Programs in STEM Biotechnology – Standards of Professionalism – Safety – Basic Lab Techniques – Specialty Lab Techniques Microbiology, Cell Biology, Nucleic Acid, Protein, Biotech Research Number of YAs: 21

NEW STEM YA proposed Core Abilities Safety Engineering Pathway – Engineering Units Science Pathway – Lab Units

Biotech YA in Dane County Partnerships – Dane County School Consortium – Biopharmaceutical Technology Center (BTCI) – Wisconsin Technical College System – University of Wisconsin System Technical Classroom/Worksite/Academic – Student Presentation (Ellyn Lipinski)

What can I do to get involved? ID student(s) interested in STEM programs Contact your local YA consortium coordinator Find an employer with coordinator ID classes to take

Thank You! Diane Kraus Robin Kroyer-Kubicek