Message from Dr. Reagan Flowers
Data Science is Needed in the Classroom
Though data science may seem like a popular catchphrase in tech, it’s much more than that. Data science is being used across many industries and is a skill that is rapidly expanding to every career field. Re-evaluating how we teach science and math in the classroom will play a big part in preparing students to succeed in these careers. Read the Full Article…
C-STEM Programs
Tune into this month’s featured podcast:
Creating Global Game Changers Through STEAM with Jacqueline Cofield
Be Part of Our Mission
Are you a teacher needing STEM/STEAM Toolkits? Register to receive a CenterPoint Energy scholarship for your students. APPLY NOW
Need Continuing Education Units? You can get up to 27 CEUs through the accredited C-STEM Teacher Training Institute. Training for preK through 12th grade are available. GET STARTED
Please help provide hands-on STEM activities for students who wouldn’t otherwise have access! DONATE NOW
Partner Spotlight
CenterPoint Energy Partnership Takes Shape
Last month, we introduced C-STEM’S new partnership with CenterPoint Energy. The funding received from CenterPoint Energy provides teachers who complete the accredited Integrated C-STEM Training Institute with C-STEM Challenge toolkits and support with implementing an in person or virtual C-STEM Challenge competition for their students.
We’re happy to announce Crispus Attucks Middle School as the first school to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. C-STEM recently got to meet with the school’s art teacher and Sea Turtle Sculpture and Mosaic Mural Challenges leader, as well as Principal Wyllie for the “For the Art in You: Attuck’s MS Awards Presentation,” sponsored by Dannette Davis of Kay Davis in the Community (KDITC). The event congratulated and showcased the middle school’s award winners from a local art competition for Attucks and Jack Yates High School students.
“We are super excited about the partnership with C-STEM that is being sponsored by CenterPoint [Energy],” said Principal Wyllie. “We cannot wait to get our kids engaged in the activities. They are ready to create some outstanding projects around saving water. We are looking forward to it and thank you so much for the opportunity.”
“We want to work with C-STEM,” Mr. Dudley added. “This will offer us a great opportunity because we have a lot of talented individuals. It is all about learning.”
Funds are still available, but are limited. If your students have a demonstrated need, apply TODAY while funds last.
What does this partnership opportunity mean to our community?
This opportunity allows underserved (Black, Hispanic, and Girls) and underrepresented (economically disadvantaged) PreK-12 students to have high quality hands-on rigorous and relevant communication, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics experiences that expose them to a world of possibilities and opportunities.
Further, C-STEM’s partnership with CenterPoint Energy creates expanded opportunities for other nonprofits to collaborate in the STEM education space. We salute DTP’s Co-Vice President, Ty’rae Carter, who shared the opportunity to partner with C-STEM with their board. We are happy to announce that DTP has committed to partnering with C-STEM to help construct the robotics playing field for schools participating in the National C-STEM Challenge competition on either Earth Day or National STEM Day. Learn more about DTP’s leadership team and the impactful work they are doing in the community, here.
Thank you CenterPoint Energy! APPLY TODAY!
Opportunities & Deadlines
Take action!
Watch this section for great opportunities coming up or closing soon.
EducationWeek Webinar
The Science of Reading: How Prevention Leads to Proficiency
Wed, Feb. 9
Free Online Event
2-3 p.m. ET
Learn about the science of reading, essential elements and strategies you can put into practice and how to help students develop strong foundational reading skills and comprehension.
National Science Teaching Association Webinar
BookBeat Live! Supporting Emergent Multilingual Learners in Science
Free Online Event
Wed., Feb. 16
7-8:15 ET
Molly Weinburgh, Kathy Horak-Smith, and Cecilia Silva, authors of Supporting Emergent Multilingual Learners in Science, share their experiences in the development of the 5R Instructional Model: Replace, Reveal, Repeat, Reposition, and Reload.
Register here.
Youth and Educator Presidential Awards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applications for the 2021-22 President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) program and the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). The PEYA program recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects by K-12 youth that promote awareness of our nation’s natural resources and encourage positive community involvement. The PIAEE recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers who employ innovative approaches to environmental education and use the environment as a context for student learning. Applications for both programs are due Feb. 18.
Get more information on applying here.
Environmental Justice Video Challenge for Students
Through this challenge, students use video to connect with their communities to address environmental justice issues and challenges.
First submissions due April 1,2022.
Learn more here
Free Teacher Training From National Math + Science Initiative
National Math + Science Initiative is partnering with Microsoft to offer a free online training for continuing credit for middle school math and computer science teachers. The second, final session is April 2 and 9.
Email customerservice@nms.org to sign up.
This Month’s Highlights
Generous Donor Supports C-STEM Through Fantasy Football
C-STEM is excited and proud to highlight donor Kenneth Flakes this month, who came up with a new, extremely creative way to support C-STEM. Through his fantasy football league, he was able to raise a $250 donation for us.
Flakes is a Connection Systems Engineer,Houston native and small business owner who helps others on their professional journeys. He also helps others connect through two Facebook groups, one focused on professional leadership and the other on sports. It was the second group where Flakes came into contact with C-STEM Executive Board Members Ahmad Shaheed and Marlon K. Scott. Flakes is passionate about STEM, and after noticing that every racial group had increased enrollment in STEM related fields in college, except for Blacks, he decided to support an organization that focuses on reaching this group early on. C-STEM was the perfect fit.
Flakes made this happen by splitting the pot for the Fantasy Football league, giving a portion to the winner and charging each of the 10 teams an additional $25 to donate to C-STEM. He plans to do another pool for the NCAA Basketball tournament with the same structure as the Fantasy Football league. Join the Facebook group here if you’d like to get involved. If you’d like to start your own fundraiser, feel free to contact us if you need help. We appreciate it!
Thank you, Kenneth, for being a motivated advocate and aligning with our mission!
STEM News
Tips for International STEM Students
Best Colleges for Women and Minorities in STEM
Grant Awarded for STEM Education Research
Faculty Optimistic About STEM Despite Challenges
Increased Access, Opportunity Crucial in STEM
Educational STEM Resources for Kids
Triad Foundation Advocates for More Diversity in STEM
Harris Hosts HBCU, STEM Conversation
C-STEM Upcoming Events
C-STEM Challenge Day – Sheldon ISD
Sheldon ISD hosts C-STEM Challenge Day Competition for 4th – 12th grade students. The students will be competing in robotics, innovation, mosaic mural, and sea turtle sculpture. Students will also have the opportunity to enter their projects in the National C-STEM Challenge Competition that is hosted on Earth Day.
From 9:00 am until 2:00 pm
At C.E. King Middle School Competition Gym
10th Annual State of STEM Education Stakeholder Breakfast
The 10th Annual State of STEM Education Stakeholder Breakfast brings together P-12 schools, higher education, professional organizations, corporations, and public servant leaders to receive updates on C-STEM’s community impact and the current state of STEM education.
From 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM Timezone: Central Central Time (US & Canada), Mexico City time
At VIRTUAL
JOIN US FOR 10TH ANNUAL C-STEM STATE OF STEM EDUCATION STAKEHOLDER BREAKFAST
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners
Executive Board
Advisory Board
Michael Aldridge
Shomari Williams
Joi Beasley
Zawadi Bryant
Bobby Bryant
Lucy Bremond
Antonio ‘Tony’ Canales
LaQuita Cyprian
Laolu Davies Yemitan
Gayle Fallon
Ruthie Esene
Michael Harris
Renee Logans
David Medina
Antoinette Jackson
Scott Minnix
Dr. Sandra Saldana Ortega
Susan Taylor
Dr. Frazier Wilson
Syalisa Winata
Ross Peters
Dr. Robert Satcher
Charles Samuel
Miloni Shah
Cherrilyn B. Nedd
Dr. Martina Ogbonna
Dr. Letitia Franklin Ozoude
We are C-STEM!
