The Edmonds Public Schools Foundation announced Tuesday that it is receiving a $22,475 Boeing Company grant to support professional development for Edmonds School District teachers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields.

“We are pleased to partner with the Edmonds Public Schools Foundation and are grateful to have such great community support to help our students become college and career ready,” Edmonds School District Superintendent Nick Brossoit said.

Working with the District, the Foundation is focused on expanding and implementing a STEM program in grades K-12, to include the following initiatives:

– Integrating and expanding STEM across school curriculum, course offerings and learning activities.

– Engaging student learning of STEM through relevant real-world applications and hands-on projects.

– Inspiring and preparing all students to pursue STEM-related pathways that lead to post-secondary STEM training and courses.

Up to 25 teachers from all grade levels will receive ongoing professional development on how to support and integrate student STEM inquiry, research and design projects within their classrooms. Trainings will take place outside the normal work day and will focus on supporting teachers in helping students progress toward completion of STEM projects.

According to an Edmonds Public Schools Foundation news release, the goal is “to expand STEM education across all grade levels and implement a fully developed STEM program that results in Edmonds School District students becoming career and college ready to meet industry demands for highly skilled workers in our region.”

K-12 students will have an opportunity to showcase STEM learning early next year when they display their culminating projects at our first annual STEM Exhibition at Mountlake Terrace High School on Feb. 22, 2012.