STEM Youth Apprenticeship & High School Students

May 18, 2010DWD Workforce Programs

Why do educators still use the same curriculum & ways of teaching?

What is STEM?

Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math

1.One of 16 Career Clusters

2.An integrated Educational Approach

STEM as a Career Cluster

• 16 Career Clusters developed in partnership with DOL, DOE, Business & Industry in 2001

• Transition from education to career • Blending academics in CTE classes based on

knowledge & skills needed for career opportunities

• Used mainly by CTE, Guidance, Work-based Learning programs and WI Technical Colleges

STEM as Integrated Education

• Academics coupled with real-world lessons in application

• Not a new name for traditional teaching of math & science

• Provide for:• Scientists to do R&D for economic growth• Tech proficient workers in hi tech worksites• Scientifically literate citizenry

Why do we need STEM?

Are we going to make everyone a scientist?

• Problem Solving skills• Knowledge based economy• Mid to Hi Skills jobs & careers• Situate the US in the forefront of research,

innovation and technology– Knowledge is widespread and low-cost labor is readily

available globally

What about those kids who don’t care?

Improving Dropouts’ Chances of Staying in School – Based on HS Dropout Responses

• Opportunities for real-world learning to make classroom more relevant (81% agree)

• Better teachers who keep classes interesting (81% agree) • Smaller classes with more individual instruction (75%

agree) • Better communication between parents and school, get

parents more involved (71% agree)• Parents make sure their kids go to school every day (71%

agree) • Increase supervision at school; ensure students attend

classes (70%)

Source: Catherine Gewertz, “H.S. Dropouts Say Lack of Motivation Top Reason to Quit,” Education Week, Vol. 25, No. 26. March 8, 2006. p. 14.

YA Program Purpose

1. Legislated school-to-work program2. Managed by DWD3. Provide core Job and Industry-Wide skills 4. Post-secondary educational advancement 5. Integrate work-based learning in the school and

worksite6. Different from School To Work Co-Op and Youth

Options• Apprentices exposed to an occupational cluster; not just 1 job • Skills standardized statewide• Not just taking a college class

YA Program Requirements

1. Paid on the job experience and learning2. Uses skilled job-site mentors 3. Demonstrate skill competencies thru

performance evaluation 4. YA Program Completion:

• State issued skill certificate (DWD)• HS diploma (HS)• Credit at a Wisconsin TC (TC)

YA Program Timeframes

1. Two year program (Level II)- STANDARD 900 hours of work site learning 360 hours of related classroom instruction

OR

2. One year program (Level I)- OPTION 450 hours of work site learning 180 hours of related classroom instruction

Current YA Programs in STEM

Drafting & Design – Engineering– Core Abilities – Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)– Engineering Graphics– Principles of Engineering

• Number of YAs: 29

Current YA Programs in STEM

Biotechnology– Standards of Professionalism– Safety– Basic Lab Techniques– Specialty Lab Techniques• Microbiology, Cell Biology, Nucleic Acid,

Protein, Biotech Research

• Number of YAs: 21

NEW STEM YA proposed

• Core Abilities• Safety• Engineering Pathway– Engineering Units

• Science Pathway– Lab Units

Biotech YA in Dane County

• Partnerships– Dane County School Consortium– Biopharmaceutical Technology Center (BTCI)– Wisconsin Technical College System– University of Wisconsin System

• Technical Classroom/Worksite/Academic– Student Presentation (Ellyn Lipinski)

What can I do to get involved?

• ID student(s) interested in STEM programs• Contact your local YA consortium coordinator• Find an employer with coordinator• ID classes to take

http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/youthapprenticeship/

Thank You!

• Diane Krausdkraus@dcsc.org; 608-224-7165

• Robin Kroyer-Kubicekrobinkk@wi.rr.com; 920-858-1463