STEM2Stern Educational Programs

What Is It?

STEM2Stern is a coordinated effort across the Department of the Navy, including all of the naval laboratories and warfare centers, to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities.

How Does It Work?

  • Under the leadership of the chief of naval research, STEM2Stern promotes effective coordination and collaboration across the naval STEM portfolio.
  • The STEM2Stern coordination office works with the naval laboratories, warfare centers, and other research and education institutions to ensure that the impact of the Navy’s entire STEM education portfolio is maximized.
  • The STEM2Stern effort identifies gaps in the current portfolio as well as opportunities for future investment and support and potential STEM-related policies and procedures.
  • Students, parents, teachers and mentors can seek new programs and partnerships to strengthen local STEM educational programs on the STEM Web portal at www.STEM2stern.org.

What Will It Accomplish?

By offering a broad range of STEM education and outreach programs, the Navy seeks to address the national challenge of decreasing college enrollments and careers in science and engineering.

Through its engaging and content-rich STEM programs, the Department of the Navy seeks to create and foster its science and technology leaders of tomorrow.

STEM2Stern was created in fall 2009 to address the increasing demand for top STEM talent and to identify more effective mechanisms for STEM program coordination across the Navy. Through its STEM program portfolio, the Navy seeks to engage and inspire young people by exposing them to exciting, hands-on and mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, while fostering self-confidence and life skills.

As part of this effort, the Navy and Marine Corps supports American students throughout their education. In its K-12 programs, hands-on learning experiences—such as robotics competitions and internships—are emphasized to encourage students and teachers of all ages to “learn by doing.” In its college and university programs, the focus is on research opportunities as well as summer internship work experiences and scholarships.

STEM programs rely heavily on naval scientists and engineers serving as volunteers and mentors. These individuals come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share a commitment to inspiring young people, their schools and communities.

A Sample of the 180+ Education and Outreach Programs:

  • Young Investigator Program (Faculty)
  • Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (Higher Ed.)
  • Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program (Higher Ed.)
  • Science & Engineering Apprentice Program (High School)
  • Youth Exploring Science (High School)
  • CSI Summer Camp (Middle School)
  • Iridescent Family and Science Program (Middle School)
  • SeaPerch Underwater Robotics Program (K-12)

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