STEM Education

Why STEM education matters

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations are expected to grow over two times faster than the total for all occupations by 2029. STEM classes are also fantastic at teaching students life skills that will aid their growth and exploration well into their future, regardless of their eventual career path. Students learn critical thinking and problem solving skills, how to collaborate as part of a team, and how to communicate with others, both in writing and verbally. These vital skills create well-rounded, lifelong learners and cultivate the curiosity natural to all of us.

WEF's support of STEM education

Wiseburn Education Foundation understands the immense value provided by highlighting STEM in education and has supported Wiseburn Unified School District’s quest to promote hands-on learning opportunities.
  • In 2021, WEF provided over 400 kits for Virtual Science Day. Once the materials were packed and ready to go, all 400+ kits were delivered to WUSD classrooms for students to take home. They and their families were then able to watch science lessons created by their teachers on YouTube and had everything they needed to follow along!
  • With WEF’s help, WUSD has created initiatives such as the Elementary Coding Program, middle school Girls Who Code Club, and Hack-A-Challenge events. WEF also provides funding for the TK-5 “Teacher On Special Assignment” (TOSA) Science Specialist.
  • In 2022, WEF provided funding for the Outdoor Science School at Dana Middle School. Assistant Principal Kevin Corrinet shared his thoughts on the opportunity:
"Dana Middle School is incredibly excited to provide Outdoor Science Camp to our 6th grade students for the first time in three years! This experience is one that truly supports the social and emotional needs of our new Dolphins and gives many of them the first opportunity to experience and embrace the outdoors, interact with students and staff outside their team, and to have a positive experience away from their families (and from cell phone service!). We are grateful for the support of WEF this year in helping to make Dana Science Camp more affordable and equitable to our families."

Roving teacher brings STEM to TK-5 classrooms

On any given day, you can find Joanne Michael inspiring students and teachers alike as she makes her rounds through Wiseburn TK-5 schools as the TK-5 “Teacher On Special Assignment” (TOSA) Science Specialist.

Day-to-day, she’s bringing STEM to life through engaging, hands-on lessons for students across three Wiseburn schools, and she’s training her fellow teachers along the way. In the past, she’s helped students create postcards that traveled to space and back. She’s launched weather balloons with transmitters that allowed students to follow the balloon on its path across the world. And she also once stuffed over 400 kits chock full of supplies so that students and their families could join in on a virtual science day from home.

Through all of it, funding from Wiseburn Education Foundation ensures Joanne has any supplies she needs to keep empowering the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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