California Legislature Considers Loss of Spots for College STEM Students

According to a report on KNTV-TV in San Jose, the California state legislature held a hearing on 9 April regarding the loss of approximately 140,000 spots for college students, as well as the related decline in students pursuing STEM education such as engineering degrees.  The committee is looking for ways to streamline avenues for community college transfer students to get math and science courses before going on to four-year universities.  http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/bayColleges-Struggle-to-Meet-Engineer-Demands-146873795.html

Ventura Students Visit NAVFAC ESC

Twenty-six pre-engineering students from eight Ventura and Oxnard area high schools recently toured the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center/Ocean Facilities Department to explore how engineering challenges are met in an ocean environment.  The students visited an ROV (remotely operated vehicle) pool, having the opportunity to steer "SeaBotix," as well as pressure vessels used to simulate deep ocean conditions.  The tour is part of the Navy's efforts to promote local STEM education.  http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/apr/04/pre-engineering-students-peek-into-navys-view-of/ 

Sierra Sands USD Engineering Facility Completed

Sierra Sands Unified School District recently dedicated a new CTE/pre-engineering facility at Burroughs High School.  After five years of planning and construction, the building is being used for its Project Lead the Way classes.  Over 130 students are currently enrolled in the pathway in Ridgecrest.  Board members, students, teachers, and administrators are quoted as being thrilled not only with the new facility, but also the STEM education program itself.  http://www.ridgecrestca.com/news/x826299598/BHS-dedicates-CTE-building

See a related story on how the facility is expected to benefit middle schools and Cerro Coso Community College, as well.  http://www.ridgecrestca.com/news/x760624699/New-facility-will-enhance-middle-schools-college

Congressman Honda Plans Additional STEM Legislation

As a follow-up to a posting on this site from 30 November 2011, Congressman Mike Honda blogs on The Hill that he plans new legislation relating to STEM educators "to develop STEM competencies and  leadership qualities to forge an entire new generation of teachers. This legislation will also focus on pre-K through sixth-grade teachers to produce elementary educators with competencies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics."  Representative Honda cites recent White House Science Fair winner Angela Zhang as one of his inspirations for continuing to promote STEM initiatives in the House.  http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/education/219757-helping-our-students-thrive-in-a-high-tech-environment

"Courage to Soar" Workshop at Palmdale AERO Institute 4/18/12

NASA will host a teacher workshop entitled "Courage to Soar" from 4:30 to 6:30pm on 18 April 2012 at the Palmdale AERO Institute.  The free workshop will cover the basics of aircraft and the forces of flight.  For more information and to sign up, visit http://www.aeroi.org/ and click on the link for the registration form on the right column.  You may also contact Cheryl Craft at cheryl.a.craft@nasa.gov .

Madera South HS Hosted Robotics Regional Competition

As reported in the Fresno Bee recently, Madera South High School hosted a FIRST Robotics regional competition from 5-7 April 2012.  Approximately 2,000 students from 50 high schools were expected; Madera was chosen to hold the event due to its success (as well as the success of local schools Buchanan and Clovis North) in regional and national robotics competitions.  The regional competition, which costs approximately $75,000 to put on, was expected to bring money to the central valley from competitors attending; additionally, the benefit to participating students beyond the "co-opertition" itself can extend to educational and scholarship opportunities.  http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/04/01/2784476/major-robotics-event-an-economic.html

MEEC Essay Contest Showcases Earth Day - Submissions Due 4/30/12

MEEC and Lockheed Martin are sponsoring a student essay contest on the subject of "What Earth Day Means to Me."  Students of all ages are invited to answer in 250 words or less the above question, including five environmental actions s/he can do to make a difference where s/he lives.  There are cash awards in each of five age categories, ranging from Kindergarten (pictures with 2-3 sentences), grades 1-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  Submissions are due to Christie Robinson at MEEC by no later than 30 April 2012 at 14306 Park Ave, Victorville, CA 92392.  Winners will receive their awards at a ceremony to be held at the Antelope Valley AQMD on 8 May.

For more information, contact Christie Robinson at christier@mdaqmd.ca.gov or (760) 245-1661 x 6101.

STEM Service Learning Workshop Scheduled for Palmdale on 5/1/12

MEEC, through the generous sponsorship of Boeing, is offering a workshop on STEM Service Learning from 4:30 to 7:00pm, on 1 May 2012 at the Center for Career-Technical Education (formerly known as "The ROP") in Palmdale.  A $10 registration fee is required (refunded upon completion); slots are limited and registration is due to Christie Robinson at MEEC by no later than 27 April 2012.

Teachers who participate will receive not only dinner, but also curriculum resources worth approximately $70 and strategies to incorporate STEM service learning projects into their classrooms and to participate in the Fall Youth Environmental Leadership Conference.

For more information, contact Christie Robinson at christier@mdaqmd.ca.gov or (760) 245-1661 x 6101.

LA County Office of Education and Probation Dept. Open Construction Training Program at Challenger Hall

A ribbon-cutting was held recently for a new construction trades training program at Challenger Hall in Lancaster.  Juvenile offenders will be trained in up to 20 trades skills, including carpentry, masonry, and plumbing in the "BuildingSkills:  Construction Careers for the 21st Century" program.  Completers may earn career-technical education credits for high school as well as a general industry certification offered by OSHA.  The program is planned to be expanded to three other camps, eventually serving up to 200 students annually.  http://hometownstation.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28748:probation-education-vocational-clarita-2012-03-28-14-32&catid=26:local-news&Itemid=97

NASA AREES Applications Due by 4/16/12

Educators of 5th-12th grade students are invited to apply to participate in the NASA AREES (Airborne Research Experiences for Educators and Students) Academy which will be held as a two-week residential program in Palmdale, CA on 18-29 June 2012.  "Participants will engage as science practitioners by becoming involved in a NASA earth science mission."  Selected educators will be provided with a $2,000 stipend.  For more information, visit www.nasa.gov/education/arees or contact Shaun Smith at shaun.smith@nasa.gov .  Applications are due by 16 April 2012 (or until slots are filled), and can be accessed at http://www.aeroi.org/node/13.