LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (February 23, 2024) – Officials from the Arkansas STEM Coalition and EAST Initiative today announced their organization’s joint participation in what the groups hope will become an annual spring event at the Arkansas Capitol.
AR STEM Day @The Capitol will be held on Tuesday, April 23. The day-long event will feature students from EAST programs around the state, giving them the time to showcase their STEM-driven projects for legislators, community leaders, and other organizations who have an interest in what STEM education means for Arkansas’ future.
"STEM education is not just about preparing a select few for specialized careers; it's about empowering all Arkansans with the critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and technological literacy necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex world,” Arkansas STEM Coalition Executive Director Hannah Vogler said. “By investing in STEM education, we are investing in the future prosperity and well-being of our entire state. AR STEM Day @The Capitol will help us spotlight the amazing work these students are already doing.”
Vogler said partnering with EAST Initiative was a no-brainer for an event like this. She said that EAST’s mission – to provide students with an environment that fosters relevant, individualized, life-changing experiences through service and technology – aligns well with the Coalition’s new strategic direction.
“EAST’s ongoing program metrics show that students are more engaged and passionate about what they do in their EAST classes, and we strongly believe they can use that passion to engage with their legislators in a more compelling way than adults are able,” Vogler said.
EAST students are engaged and excited about learning. In a survey of more than 3,400 students across 42 schools, data showed that the EAST experience is 22% more engaging than other core courses. The survey was conducted through a tool called the Wellington Engagement Index (WEI). Created by educators, WEI was designed to measure student engagement, and to give administrators and teachers opportunities for reflection as they challenge students to solve real problems in their communities.
AR STEM Day @The Capitol will feature student-led advocacy to educate legislators about the importance of STEM education. Thanks to funding through a STEMx Challenge Grant from Battelle, student teams will travel to the State Capitol on April 23 to meet with their legislators, present to legislative committees (if scheduling permits), help with STEM activity demonstrations, and participate in the event’s press conference, Vogler said.
EAST President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Dozier noted that EAST has played a crucial role in advancing STEM in Arkansas for more than 25 years now through its innovative programming that provides students with the resources and support to explore, learn and ultimately excel in STEM subjects while making meaningful contributions to their communities.
“Investing in STEM is essential for Arkansas to remain competitive and prosperous in the 21st Century and beyond,” Dozier said. “Our EAST students are excited for the opportunity to engage with leaders about the work they’re doing in their communities combining technology and STEM education.”
For more information about the Arkansas STEM Coalition, please visit https://arkansasstemcoalition.com/. Additional information on EAST Initiative can be found at www.eastinitiative.org.
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About EAST: EAST is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Little Rock. Greenbrier High School first offered EAST in 1996; EAST now has programs in more than 250 schools across four states. Through EAST, students are encouraged to think critically and innovate to create positive change in their communities with the technology EAST provides for their classrooms. EAST offers year-round training to students; and professional development for EAST educators and for all classroom teachers through Education Unleashed. To learn more about EAST, visit www.eastinitiative.org.
About Arkansas STEM Coalition: The Arkansas STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Coalition is the statewide hub of STEM information, created through a robust partnership of leaders from the corporate, education, government, and community sectors. Together we encourage, coordinate, and advocate for policies, strategies, and programs supporting excellence in STEM education and creating pathways to high-demand, highly-skilled, higher-paying jobs that expand the economy of Arkansas.