REACHing for the Stars

Who will be the future leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)? Who are the rising stars in school today? How do we identify and support these students? These are just some of the questions tackled by the participants at the Reach Center’s Summer Conference held recently at Sebasco Harbor Resort in Phippsburg, ME.

The Reach Center is a newly established initiative designed to identify, engage, and prepare promising middle and high school students in Maine for future study and work in the STEM areas. A select group of teachers from a diverse set of Maine schools were invited to come together to share their personal STEM journeys and to begin the process of shaping the future work of the Reach Center. Participants considered what activities, people or pivotal moments contributed most to their developing an interest in STEM. They also discussed roadblocks they encountered as a means of thinking about challenges that students may face in their own journeys. It became clear during discussions, that inspiration can come through a wide variety of sources and that an interest in and passion for STEM may develop at many different points in an individual’s educational and/or professional journey. The consensus was, however, that the earlier we can inspire students and the longer we can sustain their interest, the more likely they are to continue into STEM careers.

Over the course of the two days, the group brainstormed characteristics of “promising students” and considered a variety of ways in which these students might be identified both in traditional and in less conventional educational settings. Is it academic success, persistence, motivation, confidence, creative thinking, parental support, inspiring role models, novel opportunities, time or a combination of all of these that plays the most important role in creating a promising student? Is “promising” equivalent to school success? How do we define success? These and many other important questions came out of the rich discussions that took place. While there is no single way to reach every student, it was abundantly clear that inspiration is consistently drawn from people and experiences that make learning meaningful and relevant to students. Opportunities to interact with materials, to build, create, think, discuss and experience a concept in a hands-on way make a lasting impression.

Over time, the Reach Center plans to  involve not only teachers, but also students, family members, local organizations, industry leaders, and others to help shape its work and to meet its goals of attracting, engaging, challenging and supporting Maine students with a passion for STEM.