STEM: Voyage of Discovery: U.S. Naval STEM Immersion Program to Fuel Future Diverse Workforce for Nontraditional Youth and Families
Abstract
The Center of Science and Industry (#COSI#) seeks to collaborate with the US Navy to inspire American youth and families around Naval STEM. Over a three-year period, COSI plans to impact approximately 979,100 individuals through the #Naval STEM Immersion Program#(the #Naval Immersion Program#), which will deploy five modalities to enhance STEM awareness and career pathways spanning 12 states(Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona) for nontraditional urban and rural youth.Problems & Objectives:1. Enhancement of Learners# Knowledge, Skills, and Interest in STEM: The Navy STEM kits and hands-on science festival experiences will address STEM topics in an engaging manner that imparts knowledge and sparks an interest in careers.2. Improvement of Mentor and Educator Quality Across Various Educational Levels: The creative media digital contentand Color of ScienceTM (#CoS#) Passports will weave Naval stories into videos, animation, and booklets providing formal and informal educators with valuable tools for conveying complex STEM concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.3. Expand the Capacity of Institutions to Promote STEM Fields: COSI will partner with a variety of institutions during the Naval Immersion Program to expand STEM via distribution of the kits, and engagement during the annual festival.Technical Approach - Five Modalities (Impact Number):1. US Navy COSI Learning Lunchbox (18,000): a hands-on STEM kit delivered to 4,500 underserved 3-8th grade students, focusing on cybersecurity, robotics, unmanned water vehicles, and more.2. US Navy COSI Creative Media Studio and Dr. B in 3 Navy Special Episode (500,000): COSI will weave Naval stories into videos and animations that are relevant to youth, accessible online, at partner non-profits and the COSI building using group facilitation to maximize engagement.3. US Navy COSI Connects Digital Hub (300,000): A website featuring free hands-on STEM Naval content to extend learning and career pathways.4. US Navy COSI CoS (38,900): Passport booklets highlighting individuals from diverse backgrounds working in Naval STEM, at COSI and in the community to enable students to engage Naval experts.5. US Navy COSI Science Festival (120,000): The Navy will be featured at the annual science festival, providing hands-on STEMexperiences across multiple communities.Anticipated Outcomes:The Naval Immersion Program will create: (1) a US Navy STEM kit; (2) US Navy creative media content; (3) digital hands-on activities; (4) US Navy CoS booklets; and (5) hands-on activities for the festival which can be replicated at other events.We will measure the following outcomes: (1) enhancing learners knowledge, skills, interest in Naval STEM; (2) improving the capacity of institutions to promote Naval STEM; (3) improving mentor and educator quality; (4) increasing 21st century STEM skills; (5) supporting long-term content applicability and use; (6) supporting long-term collaborative efforts across organizations; (7) increasing awareness of people of color who work in STEM fields across the US Navy; (8) enhancing cultural exchange, inspiration, and empowerment; and (9) breaking down stereotypes in STEM fields and broadening awareness around Naval STEM opportunities.Impact on Department of Defense Capabilities:The Naval Immersion Program will serve as a catalyst for inspiringyouth in STEM and Department of Defense (#DoD#) capabilities. The Program contributes to the development of a future workforce andbolsters DoD#s capability by cultivating a pipeline of talented individuals. The Program#s focus on topics such as cybersecurity, aeronautics, and more aligns with the evolving technological landscape, addressing critical skill gaps within the DoD. Furthermore, by emphasizing the diversity in STEM and showcasing the breadth of career paths within Naval fields, the Program aids in creating a more inclusive workforce.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412380
Entities
People
- Frederic Bertley
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy