Inspiring Future Scientists - It’s In the Bag!

STEM.  Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.  Over the next four years, STEM jobs are projected to grow twice as quickly as jobs in other fields.  But there is a significant shortage of qualified candidates to fill the STEM careers in the United States.   How can we prepare Massachusetts students to close that gap?  How do we get those students interested in science? Citizen Schools sponsor Thermo Fisher Scientific believes that the answer is in the bag! The company is providing 400 safety lab kits to students at the Orchard Gardens Pilot School in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston and the Clarence R. Edwards Middle School in Charlestown. These bags, which include a lab coat, apron, goggles and gloves, will put the tools for success in students’ hands. It’s part of a formula that could light the spark for these future scientists. Orchard Gardens Pilot School is a true public school success story. Once one of Boston’s poorest performing schools, Orchard Gardens has transformed itself to one of the city’s fastest improving—providing students in kindergarten through 8th grade a rigorous academic experience. Part of that turnaround team is 6th Grade science teacher, Erin Dukeshire.  Dukeshire was one of only four teachers in the United States last year to receive the Fishman Prize for Superlative Classroom Practice, which recognizes teachers working in high need public schools.  Citizen Schools is a national education nonprofit focused on using hands-on learning experiences to bridge the opportunity gap for middle schools in low income communities. Thermo Fisher Scientific is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers and is a proud sponsor of Citizen Schools