Wright State University leads grant-funded STEM teacher education project

Wright State University, the University of Dayton, and Central State University are collaborating on a project called Teacher POWER (Preparing Our Workforce through Electronics and Research), which is funded by a $600,000 National Science Foundation grant. The project will result in a six-week summer experience to train K-12 teachers on how to teach STEM skills in their classrooms.

According to an article on Wright State University’s website, Ahsan Mian, Ph.D., who is a professor of mechanical and materials engineering at Wright State University, explained the project and why there is a need for it. Mian is quoted as saying, “The main motivation of the project is to inspire the next generation of workforce in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing so that we can support the regional and national demands in the area. There has been a growing demand in the field, and there exists a gap between the number of scientists and engineers that are in demand by the industry and that graduate every year. So, it is imperative that we inform the students about the field early so that they can be inspired to pursue a career in related STEM fields.”

The Teacher POWER project will last for three years, meaning that for the next three summers, K-12 teachers will gather at Wright State University and will be paid to participate in hands-on research, tour local companies in STEM industries, participate in professional development activities, and earn certifications that will serve them in their careers. In addition to being paid for their participation, teachers will leave the summer sessions with tangible materials to help them teach STEM skills in their own classrooms, including modules and content.

Dan Young, Ph.D., who is also a professor of mechanical and materials engineering at Wright State University, said, “It’s a multi-university, collaborative project with UD and CSU to impart electronics and semiconductor expertise into the local educational ecosystem in order to support the upcoming electronics industry in this region of Ohio. Everyone is aware of the new Intel facilities, but many other companies in the semiconductor and electronics industry have a strong footprint in Ohio, with expansions planned. This project will help develop our workforce to make this industry a local success.”

For more information about Wright State University, visit the school’s website.