What is Authentic STEM?
The Authentic STEM program is an international partnership between the North Country Workforce Partnership, Inc, Champlain Valley Educational Services, and the Universität Siegen in Siegen, Germany. The program rethinks what is possible in career and technical training, forging meaningful partnerships between students, teachers, schools, community organizations, and businesses, demonstrating how innovation can improve the delivery of education and workforce development in the North Country.
What do we do at Authentic STEM?
Students are paired with an international cohort to tackle a real-world STEM-based challenge from a regional company. Mentored by leaders in that business, as well as researchers at the University of Siegen, students will be empowered to create solutions to real problems, giving them a glimpse of what is possible in careers that may have felt out of reach. Each student is given a chance to learn in a hands-on way that helps them potentially find a new, previously undiscovered career goals and aspirations.
why authentic stem matters
This innovation is the future of workforce development and education! Authentic STEM allows students to practice what they learn in the classroom in partnership with their peers in Germany and with local businesses by solving a real industry problem.
Sylvie Nelson, Executive Director of North Country Workforce Partnership
As educators, if we are serious about playing our role in solving the workforce shortage and increasing its quality, we have to engage all of our students.
Michele Friedman, Director of Career & Technical Training at CV-TEC
At BETA Technologies we are focused on using science and technology to create a better, more sustainable future for aviation. It’s going to take a lot of smart, capable people to make this a reality and that starts by inspiring students today. We are firm believers in the power of hands-on experience, and we’re honored to partner with Authentic STEM to help develop the next generation workforce.
Blain Newton, Chief Operating Officer, BETA Technologies
Engaging students with open-ended, relevant problems is an empowering way to help them see connections between things they learn in the classroom and the real world. The benefits–like learning teamwork, communication skills, and pushing themselves out of their comfort zone cannot be understated. I am so excited to see what the teams come up with!
Kathleen Kavanagh, Director of the Clarkson Institute for STEM Education and the Vice President of Education for the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, Clarkson University.
“Authentic STEM not only equips students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a global workforce, but it also serves as a critical resource for regional businesses seeking to recruit and retain top talent in STEM fields.”
Jordon LeBlanc, Programming Director at North Country Workforce Partnership
Special thanks to WDI (Workforce Development Institute) for their generous funding for this website.
