By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, commonly known as STEM, will drive Guam’s progress, hence the need to provide schools with resources to strengthen pertinent curricula, Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio said.
Tenorio encouraged Guam’s public, private and charter schools to take advantage of up to $1,000 in scholarship funding for science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related projects and activities made possible through the National Lieutenant Governors’ Association (NLGA).
“Any opportunity for additional funding to advance our students’ STEM
education must be taken full advantage of, and my office is here to support our educators in applying for this NLGA scholarship program,” he said.
“I want to see our students succeed in the STEM arena, and I look forward to
working with our educators to bring this money to our schools,” he added.
The scholarship funding opportunity is made possible through the NLGA and American College Testing, a leading nonprofit organization specializing in college testing and career readiness.
The U.S. education system is stepping up the promotion of STEM amid rapid technological advancements that dictate social changes, the future of work and global economy.
“To maintain the nation’s leadership in science and technology discovery, we must create an approach to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education that prepares and advances the U.S. for this future,” according to the National Science Foundation.
“Experts agree that science, technology, engineering and math will drive innovations across disciplines, making use of computational power to accelerate discoveries and finding creative ways to work across disciplinary silos to solve big challenges,” the foundation added.
A total of $12,000 is up for grabs for schools nationwide, with $1,000 scholarships available for 10 selected schools and $500 for two additional schools.
“ACT data shows that the current state of STEM readiness is cause for serious concern,” according to a statement issued by ACT CEO Janet Godwin.
“ACT is uniquely poised to meet this moment, and working alongside NLGA,
we are committed to ensuring that all students leave high school prepared to enter a world of evolving postsecondary and work opportunities, including through access to high-quality STEM education," she added.
Applications for the scholarship program may be submitted until March 15. Winners will be announced at the NLGA Spring Meeting in April.