UCI to Offer Online STEM Preparation Modules for High School and Incoming Freshmen

UC Irvine has announced the availability of "STEM UP" on-line modules for incoming freshmen and high school seniors to prepare them for the rigors of college level STEM coursework.  The modules, each of which is three weeks long and costs $125, will be available beginning 23 June.  Free assessments will assist students to determine their current levels, and modules will provide work in Quantitative Skills, Pre-Calculus, Pre-Chemistry, Pre-Physics, and Pre-Biology.  For further information, see UCI STEM-Up Modules .

Study Finds Increased Student High School Interest in STEM

In the Education Week "Curriculum Matters" blog, a report released by My College Options and STEMConnector finds that high school students report a 21% higher interest in STEM careers than in earlier years, althought female interest is still low and declining.  The top major is reported to be mechanical engineering, followed by biology.   http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/curriculum/2013/01/stem_interest_on_rise_among_hi.html 

On a related note, in a townhall meeting held to discuss the results of the report, it was revealed that what interest there is in STEM subjects may wane during high school unless the lessons are tied to workforce needs.  http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/stem-education/2013/01/31/report-many-high-schoolers-giving-up-on-stem

Thiel Fellowship Applications Due by 12/31/12

The Thiel Fellowship is once again offering a "no-strings attached" grant of $100,000 to young people to "skip college and focus on their work, their research, and their self-education."  They are mentored and work together with other like-minded teens to see how STEM can change the world.  The areas in which projects are sought include biotech, genomics and synthetic biology, robotics, information and communications technology, aerospace, artificial intelligence, neurotech, nanotech, and medical devices.  Applicants must have been born after 31 December 1992, and should be interested in projects that are 2 to 10 years ahead of where current technology is in place.  For more information on the application process and experience as a Thiel Fellow, visit http://www.thielfellowship.org/become-a-fellow/about-the-program/ .