President Barack Obama announced in late May that Indianapolis was one of seven cities to be the first to launch an initiative called US2020 which will connect passionate employees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) with local students. Besides Indianapolis, the other cities are: Allentown, PA; Chicago; Research Triangle Park, NC; Philadelphia; San Francisco and Wichita, KS. Indianapolis and the other cities rose to the challenge to develop innovative ideas for scaling STEM mentorship for young students in STEM, particularly for girls, underrepresented minorities and children from low-income families. Indianapolis and the other cities were chosen from over fifty competing entries. Indianapolis’ effort’s being coordinated through the Techpoint Foundation and will be center not just in Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the community, but in three school districts – IPS, Pike Township and Lawrence Township.
IPS Supt. Dr. Lewis Ferebee
In a special Afternoons with Amos interview, IPS Superintendent Dr. Lewis Ferebee, Lawrence Township Supt. Dr. Shawn Smith and Pike Township’s Tracy Bunting Swinson appeared to explain how their three districts will implement the US2020 Plan and encourage more of their students to get excited and interested in STEM. Also, in the interview, Amos talked to the three top educators about recent changes in state academic standards and new timelines for the state’s ISTEP tests and how their districts are preparing for the changes. Click the Media Player to Hear IPS, Lawrence and Pike School Leaders Talk STEM and More With Amos. Runs 28 Minutes © 2014 WTLC/Radio One.
