Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Initiative

The lack of exposure to science and technology, at home and in classrooms, places adults and youth at risk for low-paying, insecure jobs at the margins of our economy. Repeatedly we read and hear reports from the Illinois Board of Education that our schools are 'failing' and that students are at or below grade level.

Research shows that when technology is used appropriately, youth learn more and are aided in the development of their skills and attitudes necessary for success in the 21st century. Extension is providing youth with comprehensive fun-filled activities that will keep them engaged and nurtures their positive development.

Our focus will be on improving neighborhoods by:

• improving access to the Internet and its resources
• improving the learning environment of underserved populations
• assisting users to better use telecommunications to communicate and publish
• using telecommunications to improve the quality of life in their community
• increasing the opportunities for science education for youth

We are working to establish neighborhood science and technology centers that will provide access as well as a place to gain technology skills to meet their purposes in life. These centers will provide relevant comprehensive youth development activities which:

• provide ongoing activities that allow the youth to remain engaged
• provide relevant structured curriculum components
• nurture positive academic development
• provide applied learning situations which fit into their everyday activities

After-school and weekend programs will be offered to youth and adults so they are more scientifically literate and are exposed to many career and employment opportunities.

In addition, special in-service training opportunities will be developed to enhance teachers' and parents' ability to teach science. Training will include math, botany, animal sciences, chemistry, physics, microbiology, astronomy, forestry and environmental sciences.

Additional opportunities for student achievement will include, but not be limited to, writing clinics to help prepare youth for the essay portion of the SAT/ACT test. In addition, graduate level students will work with targeted schools to implement reading programs.

Mobile Technology Center (MTC)

University of Illinois Extension Mobile Technology Center (MTC) is literally a classroom on wheels offering computer classes, cyber-workshops, and technology access for students (3rd-6th grades). The MTC will boast state-of-the-art computer hardware/ software and an array of fun and innovative digital-age learning modules. The MTC will serve as an assistive tool for after-school and weekend programs for students.

Small Animal Health

When youth are involved in supervised structured activities, they are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Exposing youth to activities and environments that involve caring for others and exposing them to career options in the animal sciences opens a wider selection of options.

Limited opportunities and exposure to careers in animal sciences has plagued those schools within Cook County whose educational resources are limited. This program makes teachers, counselors, parents, and students aware of animal science and careers within this area. Building bridges between the schools, zoos, and University of Illinois Animal Systems programs will bring greater exposure of the program to a population that does not have equal access.

Opportunities for programming include but are not limited to the following:

• Ongoing activities between the College on campus with youth in the inner city
• Exposure to careers for inner city youth
• Relevant applied learning situations

Outreach Via Media and Technology

As we look to the future, Cook County's success will be based on its ability to keep up with scientific innovations and advancements in technology.

Special focus will be on providing radio and television news and special interest programming on a variety of topics including home gardening, health and nutrition, consumer issues, environmental concerns and community development issues. Our educators will utilize their specializations in food science, math, technology, forensics, and pharmacology to offer equal access to information to the people of the county.

In this digital age, the Internet provides Extension a new way for information sharing, collaboration, commerce, and education. Our goal is to provide access to vital information and resources for our customers anytime and anywhere.

A concerted effort will be made to have all of our internationally acclaimed children's educational sites available to all Cook County schools, libraries, and agencies and organizations serving youth. Program offerings traditionally offered to clientele by attending a meeting or workshop will now be made available on the Internet as well. In addition, the latest research from the University will be featured on the website.

My Extension web pages will be offered to clientele. This will allow users the ability to select and customize their page with what news they want from Extension and the University. Currently our website has extensive information in Spanish and a site has been developed in Arabic. We will expand these as well as explore putting information up in other languages so new and non-English speaking immigrants have better access to information.

We look to mass media as one forward-thinking solution to extending our outreach to the residents in Cook County, and we look to science, technology, engineering and math as the best opportunity to keep Cook County competitive in this global economy.