CARLSBAD, N.M. - The management and operations contractor for EM’s Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is partnering with the local school district to ensure students are learning about science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) in innovative, engaging ways.
Nuclear Waste Partnership (NWP) and Carlsbad Municipal Schools (CMS) are conducting a pilot test for the after-school STEAM UP Program in two elementary schools. NWP provided startup funding for the program.
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade are encouraged to investigate, reason, analyze and interpret data, design prototypes, and communicate their findings.
CMS Superintendent Greg Rodriguez believes it is important to get students engaged in STEAM at an early age.
“CMS is taking an active role in increasing opportunities for students in STEAM," he said. “As part of the district vision for increasing students’ engagement, we are excited about our continued partnership with Nuclear Waste Partnership to provide enrichment activities for our students in a structured program centered on coding and robotics."
NWP President and Project Manager Bruce Covert hopes to advance Rodriguez’s vision.
“The education of our children is a community effort, and Nuclear Waste Partnership is proud to play a role in CMS’s efforts to foster ingenuity and curiosity within all students," he said.
STEAM UP offers after-school care. For a nominal weekly fee, students participate in the program Monday through Thursday for two hours after school. The program also includes time for homework, a snack, and exercise.
More than 75 students registered for the pilot program in its first month, and additional students continue to join. CMS, NWP, and other community partners hope to extend the program to other area elementary, middle, and high schools. And Rodriguez is seeking educational partnerships with private entities throughout southeastern New Mexico.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
