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ETI and RTI expand technology-enriched STEM learning experiences for middle and high school students in rural southeastern North Carolina with Department of Defense funding
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — RTI International, a nonprofit research institute, has been chosen by the Emerging Technology Institute (ETI) to study the impact of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and student enrichment activities for middle and high school students in public schools in underserved communities in southeastern North Carolina.
As part of the pilot study, funded by the Department of Defense, ETI will plan and host STEM activities for students including school-based innovation sessions and summer camps. RTI experts will support ETI by evaluating whether the activities achieve intended learning outcomes and improve students’ perception of STEM and related career pathways.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with ETI on this important pilot study that will continue to explore ways to engage young students, especially historically underrepresented students, in STEM,” said Frank McKay, an education consultant at RTI. “Many students in the counties ETI is working in have not been introduced to STEM-related career fields or the real-life applications of STEM, so programs like this that grow high-quality STEM programming can expand students’ futures in a way that is truly impactful.”
The pilot study is aligned with the Department of Defense’s goals to attract the nation’s current and future workforce to STEM, increase the number of underserved and underrepresented groups in STEM, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of STEM education and workforce development. In Robeson County, where ETI is located, 38% of the student population identifies as Native American, which is considered a highly underrepresented population at less than 1% of all STEM professionals. ETI is committed to reaching these and other students in the region who are underrepresented in STEM with high-impact STEM enrichment activities.
”We're excited to partner with RTI on this impactful initiative,” said ETI’s CEO James Freeman. “Having successfully collaborated with RTI in the past, we are excited to continue our shared commitment to fostering STEM education in southeastern North Carolina. With RTI's expertise, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of Young Innovators.”
The contract builds on RTI’s extensive work in STEM education including the Defense Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education Consortium (DSEC), which is managed by RTI and funded by Department of Defense STEM. DSEC aims to strengthen kindergarten through college STEM education and outreach programs across the U.S.
RTI also leads the DoD STEM funded STARward STEM project in partnership with ETI and Cumberland County Schools. STARward STEM aims to expand access to high-quality STEM education through project-based learning and STEM enrichment activities focused on space.
Learn more about RTI’s Center for Education Services
Related Impact Story: Developing the future STEM workforce with DoD
