By Andy Klotz—
MUNCIE, IN – Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has received a $75,000 STEM Acceleration grant from the Indiana Department of Education. The funds will be used to increase students’ access to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) courses, programs and resources during the 2022-23 school year.
“This is a big help as we try to do everything we can to attack learning loss from the past two years and expose more students to our Project Lead The Way STEM curriculum,” MCS Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski said. “This will allow us to acquire more materials and offer more professional development for our teachers so they can implement engaging lessons that will benefit our students and their futures.”
Overall, 48 school districts and charter schools across the state received part of the $2.6 million total awarded. Only four other districts received more than MCS.
“As students explore, engage, and gain experiences in STEM, they’re learning to solve real-world problems while building skills such as critical thinking, creativity, innovation and teamwork,” Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner said. “Schools that receive this grant are leaning-in to increase intentional STEM learning and opportunities. This important work is the first step that may further lead to additional strategic community partnerships, state STEM certifications and students earning additional exploration and engagement in STEM careers.”
First launched in the 2018-2019 school year, the STEM Acceleration Grant is a competitive grant created to help build a culture of STEM leadership in schools. The STEM Acceleration grant is one of several IDOE-led initiatives focused on STEM education, including the STEM Certified School program and the state’s recently-developed priorities for STEM education.
About Muncie Community Schools
Serving the local community since 1855, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) educates more than 5,000 students at six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school while also managing several other educational facilities. Through its unique partnership with Ball State University, MCS strives to maximize each student’s potential so he or she can be a positive, productive member of society. Find out more about MCS or Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski at muncieschools.org.
