Global Impact STEM Academies

The Need for a New Approach

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An Innovative New Approach to K-12 Education to Meet the Worlds Challenges

More than 1,000,000 Ohioans work in the food, agriculture, bioscience, and environmental fields, making it Ohios largest industry. This industry employs 1 in 7 Ohioans and is constantly growing. Nearly 500,000 Ohioans are unemployed, however there are over 80,000 unfilled jobs, many in hightech fields that require college degrees. Only 34% of Ohioans hold at least a 2-year degree, placing Ohio in the lowest 25% of states in degree attainment; a recent Georgetown study found that future jobs in bioscience, food science, agriculture, and related fields will increasingly require post-secondary degrees. Traditional agricultural-education programs in Ohio public schools are declining at a rate of 5% every 4 to 5 years. These negative trends are in sharp contrast with national and international demands for increased food supplies, alternative energies, and environmental stewardship.

What is Global Impact STEM?

The current Ohio STEM Learning Network, operated by Battelle Memorial Institute, is an excellent tool to develop a well-qualified workforce. These public STEM schools and programs focus on preparing students for successful careers in the 21st century through problem- and inquiry-based learning. Despite these existing STEM resources, no steps have been taken at the K-12 level to create a 21st century workforce for Ohios largest industry, agbioscience. The Global Impact STEM Academy seeks to fill this skills gap. While other states have taken steps to create ag-science high schools, no other state has envisioned a network of schools leveraging public and private resources, like The Ohio State University, Battelle, and the bioscience, energy, and food science businesses that impact global markets with Ohio-grown products.

Keys to Success
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Curriculum, Experience, and Exit Points

Global Impact STEM Academies would have an industry focused curriculum and a project driven school day. By utilizing blended and digital learning models, students will be able to customize and personalize their educational experience. Upon graduation, students will be ready to enter the workforce immediately or enter one of Ohios excellent 2- or 4-year programs. This decision will be impacted by the insight they receive from industry internships offered at by each Global Impact STEM Academy.

Strong support from private industry will allow each Global Impact o STEM Academy to leverage the expertise and advancement of Ohios agbioscience sector to provide students with a realistic and engaging o educational experience. Internships will allow students to apply their knowledge and skills and gain valuable experiences. Additionally, dual enrollment programs with Ohio universities and community colleges will allow students to graduate from high school with college credits in hand and gain a head start on a successful career.

Building Leader and Faculty are Innovators Unique and Engaging Educational Experience State of the Art Facility Private Sector Involvement Through Internships and Financial Support Redefined School Day and School Year Leverage Blended and Digital Learning Models Hardwired to a WorldClass University

Global Impact STEM Academies / February 2012

Start-up and Leadership

Global Impact STEM Academies will be offered at multiple sites throughout Ohio with primary consideration given to urban environments. Proximity to an urban core ensures that the school can provide opportunities to students who do not have access to existing ag-education programs. Global Impact STEM Academies will be public schools, open to any student in Ohio. Additionally, students who choose to blend several learning options will be able to move seamlessly between Global Impact STEM Academies and their local schools. This unique approach not only Evaluating Success protects the stability of current K-12 schools, but it is also an o Industry Leaders see value innovative way to expand choice and opportunity for each individual in their investment student. The target date for the first Global Impact STEM Academy o Use of digital and blended to open is autumn 2013. The school will open to 9th graders in its learning methods first year, and then expand over the next 5 years, eventually serving o Cost effective and more than 600 students in grades 6 to 12 on site with many more sustainable through digital learning programs. o College bound students have low remediation The Global Impact STEM Academies Network will be lead by a nono High rate of postprofit board comprised of K-12 and higher-ed experts, industry secondary attainment leaders and innovators, and community representatives. Founding o Less college debt due to partners of the project and members of the leadership board should dual enrollment notably include a major research university, Battelle and other o Bring success to students industry partners. Springfield City School District has been a strong from all backgrounds supporter of this network and has pledged a multi-million dollar facility, as well as expertise and logistical support for the first site. There are more than 250 agbioscience employers, 50 school districts, and several institutions of higher education in close proximity to this site. Employers and industry leaders can sponsor labs, facilities, and equipment, ensuring a realistic and relevant experience. Additional grants from the federal government and non-profit groups, as well as state funding will help cover start-up and continuing expenses.

Progress and Next Steps

o A broad group of experts from K-12 and higher education, agbioscience industry leaders, and parents and students have collaborated to make this concept a reality; more than 100 individuals have contributed thoughts, ideas, and resources to this concept A marketing study is underway to gauge community interest and priorities for parents and studentspreliminary results are overwhelmingly positive Determine what other areas in Ohio as well as what other industries can be added to the Global Impact STEM Network to prepare students to take on the worlds challenges Several organizations and businesses have already committed resources to Global Impact STEM and, recognizing the enormous potential this concept possesses, more and more are getting involved Momentum is buildingLearn more and get involved at www.gisaohio.blogspot.com

The Office of State Senator Chris Widener

E-mail: chris.widener@senate.state.oh.us Phone: (614) 466-3780 / Fax: (614) 466-7662

Global Impact STEM Academies / February 2012