Funds will support innovative projects to expand access to Computer Science & STEM Education experiences for both students and adults.
Alvernia University benefits from $450,000 through the PAsmart Advancing Grants for Career and Technical Education programs and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
State Rep. Manuel Guzman, D-Berks, announced the news recently as part of a $10.35 million investment that expands access to computer science and science, technology, engineering, and math education (STEM-CS) for learners across Pennsylvania.
“I welcomed these grants with great enthusiasm. This state funding will create more opportunities for professional development in our community and help students keep pace with a constantly evolving job market,” Guzman shared in his official statement. “I believe it is crucial to equip students with the necessary tools and skills to match industry needs and these high-demand career paths.”
The funds, secured through Alvernia University, will help accelerate the ongoing efforts of Total Experience Learning® (TExpL) to address the critical need for access to high-quality STEM-CS education and professional development within the Diocese of Allentown (DoA). TExpL offers hands-on educational opportunities designed to develop critical thinking, creativity, and real-world skills for learners of all ages. The institution joined Alvernia University last year, bringing with it an impressive student program. To date, students have been granted 12 patents, and this year alone, the program helped secure $25,000 in funding for STEM after-school research for students in grades 5 through 12.
The DoA has a network of 24 schools and 624 teachers across five counties and serves 8,500 students. The network has identified a significant need to improve STEM learning options through cross-sector partnerships like the one that will now emerge with Alvernia and TExpL.
“In addition to creating new learning opportunities for students, this funding and partnership between Alvernia, TExpL, and DoA will also address critical disparities in teacher support and retention,” Adelle L. Schade, Ph.D., founder of TExpL, shares. “By providing immersive, experiential learning opportunities and equipping these educators with specialized skills and coursework, we will build capacity for impactful STEM-CS instruction, attracting new talent and retaining educators.”
The grant will be used to close the STEM-CS gap for K-12 learners, build a diverse talent pipeline, and attract and retain highly qualified educators. K-12 students will benefit from immersive classroom experiences both on Alvernia University’s campus and in their home schools. Undergraduate interns and university faculty will mentor students in the afterschool and summer programs. Instructors at DoA will receive targeted professional development and certificate coursework in TExpL’s experiential learning methodology.
To learn more about the goals of TExPL at Alvernia University visit https://www.alvernia.edu/TExpL.
