Calculated Success: Grant Powers STEM Learning

Thanks to funding made available to Millersville University through a $10,000 grant from the Lancaster STEM Alliance, faculty members have partnered with the Lancaster YWCA to create STEM education programming with a special emphasis on math for preschool and kindergarten students and their families.

The project, called "Don't Forget the M!: Equity in STEM Through Culturally Responsive Engagements for Young Learners and Their Families," began on April 15 and concludes on Dec. 20. Past programming included family STEM nights, take-home STEM backpacks stuffed with educational activities for young learners, a presentation for parents with experts on early childhood STEM education, and plenty of hands-on learning for the students, like learning how to program a simple robot. A total of 104 preservice teachers from Millersville were on-site to assist with programming and activities throughout the year.

One final public event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Landisville Intermediate Center. The math family engagement night is for families of the Hempfield School District and like the other programming, will include STEM-related children's games and activities.

At the helm of the project are Dr. Kim Heilshorn, associate professor of Early, Middle & Exceptional Education, who serves as the project director; Dr. Beth Powers, professor of Early, Middle & Exceptional Education, who supports Heilshorn in grant management; and Dr. Sharon Brusic, former professor in the Department of Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology, who serves as the STEM consultant.

In previous years, the team partnered with the University's Head Start program to engage with hyperlocal community members. "By working with YWCA Lancaster, we are able to reach a much larger pool of families," says Brusic, noting that families from Head Start were also invited to attend the events. While the grant-funded project will end this December, Brusic reports that the YWCA plans to integrate some of the curriculum the team created into its own programming for students beginning this December and continuing through this spring.

"The Lancaster County STEM Alliance is dedicated to fostering the natural curiosity of young learners through innovative STEM education," says Dr. Lauren Beal, executive director of the Lancaster STEM Alliance. "This project reflects our commitment to providing equitable and engaging learning experiences that enable children, families, and educators to collaboratively explore the marvels of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics."

Interested in studying STEM education? Check out Millersville's minor in Integrative STEM Education Methods by clicking here and our degree in early childhood education here.