Texas A&M University and the ExxonMobil Foundation have launched a joint effort to inspire young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields by providing education, training and support to middle school teachers in STEM fields.
The pilot program, called Aggie STELLAR (STEM Teacher Education, Learning, Leadership, and Resources), will begin in Houston and McAllen and will provide more than 30 middle school teachers with access to the resources, strategies, and support needed to engage students in purposeful hands. On STEM learning experiences.
Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. said: “Long before students arrived at Aggieland to pursue their degrees, a teacher inspired their path somewhere along the way,” said Texas A&M University President Welch III. “Through this collaboration with the ExxonMobil Foundation, we are exploring new ways to ensure educators across the state have the information and resources they need to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.”
The application process is now open, and accepted teachers will participate in a two-week Aggie STELLAR Summer Intensive in College Station at Texas A&M University. The program will provide high-quality in-person and virtual learning opportunities to help teachers better understand the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics they teach, with a focus on sixth- through eighth-grade math and science courses. After the hands-on summer experience, these teachers will have access to Texas A&M University experts, online resources, ExxonMobil-sponsored Khan Academy supplemental materials, and monthly professional development opportunities. The year-long program will prepare these teachers to be leaders in STEM education in their schools.
“Supporting education is part of ExxonMobil’s DNA, and we know that STEM learning is essential to preparing the next generation of problem solvers,” said Alvin Abraham, President of the ExxonMobil Foundation. “We are excited to collaborate with Texas A&M and leverage our resources to support our local communities and enhance the STEM talent pool of educators and students.”
The Aggie STELLAR Summer Institute will be held in July. Teachers will be notified of their acceptance into the program by March 27.
“Aggie STELLAR is a unique cross-campus collaborative initiative,” said Dr. Janice Meyer, director of continuing and professional education. “It equips teachers and students with the knowledge and skills to think innovatively. We aim to create networks of educators across Texas equipped to spark students’ interest in STEM fields. We are excited about the impact the program will have on our state and future generations.”
Aggie STELLAR builds on Texas A&M University's longstanding efforts to support STEM educators in Texas, including the Aggie STEM Program, a collaboration between the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Engineering. It began in 2006 as a partnership between Texas A&M and Dallas ISD through funding from the Texas Education Agency. Aggie STEM services have since spread, serving many public school districts and charter schools throughout Texas, the nation, and internationally. Another notable effort is Spark! from the College of Engineering, which provides outreach to STEM educators across Texas, including summer research experiences, workshops and virtual events.
Learn more about Aggie STELLAR.
