Lansing Sets STEM Week Celebration
LANSING -- The new three R's are spelled S-T-E-M.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math, and the Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC) is partnering with more than a dozen community groups to kick off Lansing's first STEM Week, Nov. 26-30.
Designed to explore STEM in the Lansing community, this week shines a light on why STEM is a big deal for children and adults alike.
On Monday, Nov. 26, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and the City of Lansing joined ITEC and partners to kick off STEM Week at the ITEC headquarters in the Foster Community Center.
ITEC also kicks off ITEC iMath, a new program for after-school math tutoring and education that combines innovative online programming with in-person, one-on-one support. Starting Nov. 26, Sheridan Road Elementary and Lewton Elementary students in grades 4-6 will pilot this new after-school program designed to help students learn math concepts faster and easier.
"This after-school program provides a unique mix of in-person tutoring and computer support, with software that constantly adapts itself to challenge a student's ability," said Kirk Riley, ITEC Executive Director. "Whether students are below, at or above their grade level, ITEC iMath increases math exposure and proficiency, and makes learning fun."
Throughout the week, ITEC invites the Lansing community to take a closer look at STEM, with open-to-the-public events and updates focused on raising STEM awareness in Greater Lansing. Areas of exploration include women in STEM, investment, economy and employment, talent retention and college readiness.
STEM Week Schedule
* Monday, Nov. 26: Stem Week Kickoff and news conference. Join ITEC, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero and the City of Lansing, and community partners to kick off STEM Week, and unveil ITEC's innovative new iMath program at the ITEC headquarters. 2 p.m. at Foster Community Center, 200 N. Foster Ave., Lansing.
* Tuesday Nov. 27: ITEC releases updated course schedules for K-12 students and adults. Course schedule listed online at www.iteclansing.org/programs.
* Wednesday, Nov. 28: Celebrate Five Years of Learning and Innovation. ITEC's annual event features refreshments, robot demonstrations, and comments from ITEC partners:
Lou Anna Simon, president of Michigan State University; Paula Cunningham, president and CEO of Capital National Bank; and Thomas Bres, CIO of Sparrow Health System, 5 p.m. at the University Club of MSU, 3435 Forest Road, Lansing.
* Thursday, Nov. 29: Capital Gains Speaker Series. Inside The STEM Studio -- ITEC and Capital Gains magazine speak with innovative women who use STEM in global networking, saving threatened animal species, teaching future programmers and more in their ongoing community speaker series. 5:30 p.m. at Dublin Square Irish Pub, 327 Abbot Road, East Lansing.
* Friday, Nov. 30: Capital Area IT Council Tech Tour, Regional Toast to Technology; The Capital Area IT Council presents local business Tech Tours for college students during the day. In the evening, ITEC joins the Michigan Technology Network, the Capital Area IT Council, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, Netvantage Marketing and TechSmith for a STEM Week Regional Toast to Technology. Open to the public, this networking event caps STEM Week. 5:30 p.m. MBC (Michigan Brewing Co./Midtown Beer Co.) at 402 S. Washington Square from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cheers to greater Lansing's flourishing IT community!
STEM Week is a community partnership event series, anchored by ITEC, to help raise awareness about the importance of science, technology, engineering and math in our community. Learn more at http://www.iteclansing.org/stem-week/.
The Information Technology Empowerment Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works with students and families in the Greater Lansing area to build excitement for coursework and careers in science, technology, engineering and math. A collaborative partnership between community, business, education, and government, ITEC is making an impact in Lansing by developing the region's talent. Learn more at http://www.itcelansing.org.
