(Indianapolis, IN) – The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has announced 16 schools are newly certified as leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
This year’s cohort also includes nine schools that renewed their certifications, as well as five schools designated as Developing, highlighting emerging STEM programs and leaders and the strides they are making to create an engaging STEM culture.
Locally, Greensburg Junior High is one of the schools to be newly STEM certified.
Aurora Elementary in the South Dearborn Community School Corporation is among the nine schools across the state that have renewed their certifications for an additional five years.
“Indiana’s STEM certified schools highlight the importance of equipping our students with the skills to think critically and to solve problems in an ever-changing technological world,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Investing in STEM is about more than preparing our students for high-demand careers – it’s about igniting their curiosity and confidence and empowering them to shape the future of Indiana and beyond.”
Created in 2015, the STEM certification program recognizes schools committed to teaching STEM disciplines beyond the classroom.
IDOE says STEM certification exemplifies a highly innovative approach to education, employing a great deal of inquiry, project-based learning, community engagement, entrepreneurship, student-centered classrooms, integration into humanities and related arts and out-of-school STEM activities.
For secondary schools in particular, earning STEM certification requires heightened intention and coordination in terms of vision, scheduling and interdisciplinary collaboration.
More than 100 schools statewide hold STEM Certification.
You can view a complete list of Indiana STEM certified schools here.
Schools interested in pursuing STEM certification can review guidelines here.
