Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Education, Outreach and Workforce Program
Abstract
The Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) proposes to address the Navy’s critical and necessary interest in strengthening Navy-focused science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce needs by using an innovative model that integrates OET’s suite of successful educational programs into a Community STEM Program. Focused around its annual expeditions aboard the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, OET will implement each of its educational programs within two communities - the Washington, D.C. area, and Groton/New London, CT - to multiply the impact these individual programs have by bringing representatives from both locations to participate in the full suite of programs and to serve as STEM ambassadors for their communities. Through its collaborative partnerships with established educational institutions, its strong ties to the Office of Naval Research and the Navy, and its ability to serve as a platform for innovative and experimental programs to reach out to and inspire students and adults, OET is positioned to provide new solutions for generating enthusiasm and exposure to the breadth of possible STEM-related vocations available through the Navy while offering concrete education and training to those who plan to pursue these career pathways. The Community STEM Program focus represents a new approach that forges relationships across communities toward the common goal of increasing STEM literacy and proficiency. In advance of annual Nautilus expeditions, students at all levels will learn about ocean exploration and how it relates to STEM fields and careers. During expeditions, representatives from partner communities sail on Nautilus to experience exploration first-hand; conduct live interactions back to their schools, universities, and museums; and return home as role models for their peers as they share their experiences and inspire their peers to become more involved in STEM activities, thus continuing to grow and increase the impact of the entire program. We emphasize role models from across the array of professions found on the ship and ashore. Our active recruiting of underrepresented individuals to join our Corps of Exploration has helped a greater diversity of children to see themselves as capable of following career paths in math and science. Over the course of the three-year project period, OET and its partners will expand this program to attract underrepresented communities in an effort to increase minority representation in Navy STEM careers. Community STEM education programs in New London/Groton and the Washington, D.C. areas will serve as scalable models for other communities across the country. The focus in these communities will be on engineering and computer science, but also incorporate other aspects of STEM education. We plan to work closely with ONR and Navy representatives to craft a program that reaches out to underserved populations in these communities, while striving to develop the best educational materials, programming and technical training possible in support of the Navy’s STEM mission and goals. Our goal is to develop successful local funding models for these two communities and in later years of the program, shift funding from this project to other communities in which there is a Navy presence and interest in developing STEM programming.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512143
Entities
People
- Robert Ballard
Organizations
- Ocean Exploration Trust
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy