Tri-County STEMersion Connects Industry to Educators
MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Tuesday, January 28, 2020) Berkeley County Economic Development, along with partners at Charleston County and Dorchester County Economic Development and South Carolina Department of Commerce announce 3rd annual Tri-County STEMersion program to connect educators with industries throughout the region.
What: Tri-County STEMersion 2020
When: Deadline for educators to register is Feb. 29, 2020. Program will run June 8 – 11 & 15-18, 2020
Tri-County STEMersion 2020 is a two-week, unique hands-on institute for up to 40 middle and high school instructors in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties in South Carolina. STEMersion ties the world of work to classroom lessons through the inclusion of competencies of local industries, increased knowledge of careers as well as an emphasis on the skill needs of industry.
During the institute, educators visit one or two sites per day and will be introduced to local companies’ work environments including the practical use of formulas, theories and/or concepts necessary for a successful work process. Educators will also participate in real-world workplace (hands-on) learning opportunities and lesson writing activities that reinforce why math, science and soft skills are so critical to the Tri-County region’s workforce and economic growth.
Local educators will receive information to share with fellow educators and parents. In addition, educators will participate in activities and conversations that facilitate the development of a pipeline of future employees to meet industry needs. The institute in not about finding a job but stirring the expertise of classroom educators such that sparks are created and students identify and prepare for their next careers.
Finally, the institute creates a path for a regional grassroots career awareness campaign in which local industries are introduced to additional educators, parents, and students after STEMersion concludes.
Educators wishing to apply: STEMersion provides up to a $1000 stipend (based on completed assignments and budget allocations) for local educators who complete the work-based learning experiences at local industry sites, create lesson plans based on the experiences and agree to integrate the new knowledge into classroom lessons and presentations. Follow-up sessions with local industry leaders will also be facilitated through the institute. The follow-up sessions will include posts on tricountystemersion.com, STEMersion breakfast, virtual and face-to-face networking sessions, classroom visits and the annual STEMersion celebration. Seats are limited, registration for educators to apply will close February 29, 2020. An acceptance letter for applications will be sent no later than May 1, 2020. Click here for registration form.
Industries or employers wishing to invest or host educators: Industry visits include hands-on projects, explanation of skill needs at each step of the work process and/or a descriptive review of the work process to help educators identify topics in their subject area that connect to the work of local industries. Educators will also outline lesson plans based on the industry experience while on-site with the assistance of the industry professionals.
Hosting industries will Accommodate educators on-site for a half or full day session with space to use to create lesson outlines based on the visit and assistance provided by industry professionals to help educators align the world of work experience to the classroom.
• Include a 30/45-minute tour or detailed discussion of work flow process.
• Provide employee presentations and hands-on experiences.
• Offer lunch with candid workforce/talent development conversations.
• Reinforce the skills needed for the industries’ workplace.
• Participate in STEMersion follow-up sessions with educators and STEMersion planning team.
For more information about investing or hosting educators, contact Kristen Lanier, Workforce Development Manager, at kristen.lanier@berkeleycountysc.gov or 843-719-4301.
