June 2024 STEM Newsletter | |
Local News and Program Updates | |
New Hampshire Afterschool Network Recognized by the National Afterschool Association for Leading the Charge to Secure Digital Equity Funding for NH OST Programs
| |
We are thrilled to announce that the New Hampshire Afterschool Network has been recognized by "Afterschool Snack," a publication by the National Afterschool Association, for our pioneering efforts in advocating for funding and integrating afterschool programs into state digital equity plans.
In the latest issue, "Afterschool Snack" highlights our organization’s leadership: "For instance, the New Hampshire Afterschool Network is leading the charge in their state to make sure afterschool has a seat at the table. The New Hampshire network has begun relationship-building and coordination to find ways of integrating the afterschool ecosystem into their state digital equity plans. They are submitting grant requests to implement programming and build capacity. By aligning their initiatives with the broader state goals for digital equity, they have established themselves as key stakeholders in discussions around broadband access and digital inclusion."
This recognition shows our dedication to making afterschool programs a key part of the digital equity conversation. We’ve been advocating for broadband funding to help afterschool programs give our youth the chance to really engage with digital spaces. It’s not just about using digital media, but about getting involved in creating content, exploring STEM skills, finishing homework, and finding ways to express themselves and be active citizens.
| | | |
Click Here to read the entire article: | |
|
Celebrate and Inspire a Passion for Skilled Trades | |
|
This event was created to help students, parents, and job seekers learn more about available careers in the trades in New Hampshire. The Tradeapalooza career fair will offer the opportunity to speak to companies in many different trades from construction to automotive to manufacturing and more! This year the event will take place at NHTI- Concord's Community College, 31 College Drive, Concord, NH 03301
Participants will learn what internships and apprenticeships are available right now and can ask any questions they have from people who have built their careers in the trades. $50,000 of scholarships will be given out at the event to NH residents.
| |
Guest Mike Rowe is set to join us for an extraordinary event highlighting the vitality and excitement of skilled trades. He’s best recognized for hosting the TV show “Dirty Jobs,” where he showcased the value of blue-collar work. Through his foundation, mikeroweWORKS, he continues to promote the value and significance of trade vocations.
Mike will be interviewed by the incredible Kelly Ayotte, champion of workforce development and education reform. Their conversation promises to ignite passion and curiosity, inspiring a new generation to embrace the rewarding opportunities of hands-on careers.
| |
NH Bringing Back the Trades event will award $50,000 in scholarships to New Hampshire applicants! | |
Applying is easy! Simply complete the form below, write an essay or share a short video explaining why you deserve the scholarship. Essays should be submitted via the form, videos may be emailed to apply@nhbringingbackthetrades.org. | |
|
New Hampshire Department of Education Enables Free Access to Khanmigo AI Pilot for all New Hampshire Educators & Students
| NHED is partnering with Khan Academy to offer a pilot Artificial Intelligence platform for educators and students in grades 5-12 statewide. | |
Khan Academy has introduced Khanmigo, an AI-powered tool designed to support educators as a teaching assistant and provide tutoring for students. New Hampshire has taken the lead as the first state to enter into a statewide agreement with Khan Academy for a pilot program of Khanmigo, highlighting its dedication to integrating cutting-edge educational technology. Schools, including private institutions, interested in utilizing Khanmigo can get started by emailing districts@khanacademy.org to create an agreement to initiate services and training at no cost to you. Visit Khanmigo for New Hampshire to learn more and initiate the contracting process. | |
STEM Training and Professional Development | |
|
2024 Computer Science Teachers Association Annual Conference!
| |
As a computer science teacher, you are often the only one in your building, or maybe even in your district. There is a whole community of computer science educators just like you out there. Connect with the world’s largest CS department at the CSTA 2024 Annual Conference, set for July 16–19, 2024, in Las Vegas! | |
|
CSTA 2024 will provide you with the community of support you need to make connections locally and nationally. Join us to reconnect with your community of fellow K-12 computer science teachers. From affinity groups to local chapters and content-based meetups, you are certain to find your community of teachers. Head to the Exhibit Hall to learn how you can engage with CSTA year-round.
| |
CSTA 2024’s educational program is crafted by teachers for teachers and focuses on supporting you both in your classroom and your personal professional development, whether you’re new to teaching computer science or you’re entering your twentieth year. This year, we’re featuring over 200 educational sessions to help you get the best educational experience possible. With exclusive content designed to be hands-on for the best in-person experience, you don’t want to miss this year’s program. | |
|
Join us in Las Vegas, where you’ll leave feeling refreshed and excited to start the 2024–2025 school year, armed with new lessons and tools to implement in your classroom. Hear from our inspirational keynote speakers — to be announced soon — and experience the hands-on classroom experiences you’ve been missing.
| |
For more information, and to register: | |
Registration Deadline: July 12, 2024 | |
Free STEM Tools and Resources | | |
|
New Resource!
STEM Best Practices
In partnership with Vermont Energy Education Program, New Hampshire Energy Education Program, Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife, NCSU Encore, and University of Vermont Extension 4H, Vermont Afterschool created a Best Practices guide for STEM-based programs, which includes best practice examples (for Space, Connections, Content, Skills, and Pathways) appropriate for elementary, middle, and high school youth, as well as links to other important and helpful resources.
| | |
A Digital Wellbeing Toolkit for Families and Caregivers | |
Promoting Balanced, Intentional, & Responsible Use of Technology | |
|
Our children's lives, and our own, are intertwined with technology, from school-issued devices to personal smartphones, influencing various aspects like communication, education, and entertainment. This transformation has led to a need for understanding its implications and creating a plan to ensure device use does not interfere with healthy child and adolescent development.
LiveMore, ScreenLess, a Minnesota-based nonprofit, addresses concerns about technology's impact on young people's wellbeing. A central question we ask is: What are screens replacing? Let's ensure the answer is not the social, emotional, mental, cognitive, and physical needs young people need to grow up thriving.
In collaboration with parent educators, this toolkit highlights resources and tools for parents and caregivers. The toolkit aims to provide research on screen effects and to offer tools and resources to navigate digital media at home. These resources have been curated with your needs in mind, supporting your family's journey towards Digital Wellbeing.
To download your toolkit:
| |
|
Accelerate Student Success This School Year
Project 10Million is helping ensure internet access is not a barrier to a child's education.
| |
|
That’s why T-Mobil has connected millions of students to free hotspots and data through Project 10Million and related programs. They continue their commitment to help bridge the digital divide, and their work will continue—they won’t stop!
"We live in a very rural setting and T-Mobile’s hotspots gave many of our students coverage where no internet connection is normally available. The speed and data was great for checking in with online assignments and participating in online conferencing."
Gary Roberts IT Director, AOS 43 Howland, ME
| |
|
Who is eligible for Project 10Million?
Eligibility for free program is based on school or school district students eligible for the National School Lunch Program and is for students grades K-12.
| |
|
How do school administrators apply?
Interested schools or school districts can fill out a program request form. Upon receiving your application, a T-Mobile education expert will contact you.
| |
|
How will devices be distributed?
All hotspots and other devices will be provided to eligible households by their school.
| |
|
Interested in Project 10Million? It's easy to get started.
Empower your district with their biggest and best network ever.
| |
|
Ready to inspire youth well-being and spark joy?
Welcome to "Foster Health and Wellness with Richmond Brown, Jr.", a new activity playlist that’s filled with enriching, health-giving, and fun-filled activities and games for summer. Richmond is the Associate Director of Programs for Woodcraft Rangers, an educational leader with 15+ years in the expanded learning space, and a champion for whole-child development.
Dive into this collection and you’ll find blood-pumping relay races, team-building balloon tosses, and creativity-boosting game design. Plus, you’ll access learning resources you can use to introduce youth to mindfulness meditation, yoga, and the health benefits of in-season fruits and vegetables.
“Physical activity, creative expression, and social interaction are all essential for well-rounded development that goes beyond the classroom,” Richmond said. “Whether it’s through sports, outdoor adventures, or introductions to wellness, youth learn the value of taking care of their body and mind. And that’s a cornerstone of their success and happiness.”
Let’s dig in! Explore Richmond’s playlist now!
| | | | |
