The Blackstone Valley

S.T.E.M. CONFERENCE
Science Technology Engineering Math

In 2008, the Education Foundation won a grant from the UMass Science Resource Center at the UMass Medical School, that enables Middle school teachers and students an opportunity to participate in learning more about STEM careers and preparation for them. The grant provided two resource for two very successful conferences for 100 7th and 8th graders representing 9 school districts, and access to programming and professional development for Education Foundation-member Middle School teachers as well.

The STEM Fund is a workforce development initiative designed to increase student interest and teacher preparation in STEM subjects. The Blackstone Valley Education Foundation works with UMass Medical School, Tufts/Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in Grafton and the Blackstone Valley Middle schools to provide opportunity for students and teachers to learn more about STEM careers and about preparing for careers in these fields.

S.T.E.M. Conference Inspires over 100 BV Youth

On Saturday, November 5, 2011 over 100 Blackstone Valley 7th and 8th grade youth will participate in the 4th annual Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) conference. In partnership with Tufts Cummings School, the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation invites their member school districts to a day-long workshop experience in Health Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Rocketry, Engineering, Veterinary Science and much more.

This conference was developed to interest young people, their teachers, and their families about the exciting opportunities in S.T.E.M. careers. The Blackstone Valley is making every effort to assure students are ready and excited about joining these high demand fields as the United States currently lags behind most nations in producing people who choose to work in S.T.E.M. careers.

The Education Foundation leads and supports education that promotes and strengthens workforce development and enhances the quality of life in the Blackstone Valley. Funding for this program is provided through the generous partnership with Tufts/Cummings Veterinary School, Milford Regional Hospital, Goretti's Market, Southwick's Zoo and others.

If you are interested in learning more about this program to help kids and schools to be prepared in S.T.E.M. fields or to become a sponsor for 2012, contact Susan Gately at 508-234-9090 or at sgately@blackstonevalley.org.