By Beth Sluys
Northside News
As technology becomes more and more a part of everyday life, the workforce skills related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are becoming more and more in demand. The U.S. Department of Education reports that only 16% of high school students are interested in a STEM career and many will lose interest by the time they are seniors.
To offer additional STEM learning environments for students, schools and organizations are looking at innovative ways to expand student access to STEM concepts and learn about related career paths.
One such partnership is through Door of Hope, located on the Door Creek Church campus at NorthGate Shopping Center and Blackhawk Middle School. Door of Hope opened its STEM program this year and offers afterschool activities and lessons. Currently, with an enrollment of 10 students, the pilot program incorporates the use of technology, project design and construction, as well as creative problem solving in the areas of robotics, compound machines and coding. The program engages students with game-based learning (Kahoots!) and hands-on engineering educational programs (Kids Spark).
Logan Berglund, STEM coordinator at Door of Hope, has connected with area professionals with links to STEM-related jobs to visit with students. Students met with Michael Schuck, a retired environmental engineering professor, who presented concepts related to stormwater modeling, management and flood control — a relevant topic in these days of flooding and climate change.
Outreach opportunities will include a visit to the Epic campus to meet people engaged in technology jobs at the unique campus. (What child can resist a tree house conference room and a wizard-themed meeting room?) Berglund would like to introduce women in science and technology careers to the six girls enrolled in the program, and he welcomes volunteers who can provide links to real world applications of STEM in the workplace and in the world.
As students express areas of interest, Berglund has found ways of partnering in the community to provide opportunities for learning. He is looking ahead as arts are added to the programs offered (STEAM) in January 2020. The arts program will include song writing and recording (in collaboration with the Packers Community Learning Center) and culinary arts (in collaboration with FEED Kitchens).
“Our hope is that we can build a culture on the Northside that will positively impact the next generation and spark kids to identify themselves as capable of learning and understanding STEM and the arts as areas for future study and employment,” said Berglund.
For more information about enrolling students in the program or to volunteer with the Door of Hope STEM Program, contact Logan Berglund at Door of Hope at 608-695-8971 or email lberglund@doorcreekchurch.org.