Akron Life August 2022

EDUCATION

questioning, investigation, presentation of discovery and reflection of the work. “In really good STEAM schools, the learning is very authen tic,” Crews says. “Teachers go from expert lecturer to learning coaches and are more of a guide.” While in high school, most stu dents take advantage of College Credit Plus, which allows them to take college courses. Students can also take high school classes during middle school, including algebra and world language. “Many of our juniors and seniors are on campus full time at The University of Akron,” Crews says, “and can potentially leave with an associate degree.” STEM schools also offer out of-the-classroom learning opportunities. At the National

academy, they decide which career academy to sign up for. Several academies immerse students in real-world partner ships, including the advanced technology and design one at the National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM high school. It offers classes in cybersecurity, biomedical technology and environmental engineering, which can lead to jobs like microbiologist, computer net work architect and engineer. Camryn Woodley, a recent Muskingum University engi neering graduate, attended the National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM middle and high schools, and took specialized courses like engineering, envi ronmental science, accelerated math and biochemistry. Her classes worked with companies to answer real-life problems. For one project, she worked

Inventors Hall of Fame STEM high school, there is a com petitive robotics club, in which members learn how to assemble robots, code and network. The high school team placed first in the state championship this year for robotics and has made it to the world championship. PATH WAY Rather than only core subjects, all Akron Public Schools stu dents choose a career pathway and take relevant classes as part of the district’s College & Career Academies of Akron. The process of identifying career interests begins in middle school and continues into fresh man year. All Akron Public Schools students take freshman academy, where students focus on college and career explora tion. By the end of freshman

with Gojo to help get younger students to sanitize more, and she says the lessons she learned stuck with her. “Teams had to communicate their ideas in front of students and stakeholders,” says Woodley. “STEAM education allowed me to gain social skills.” Her team won and got to tour Gojo’s facilities. Her career specific education gave her experience with industry lan guage, networking and other social skills. Starting young with a STEAM education helps shape youth into leaders and future innova tors who are prepared to enter the professional world. “You gain tons of opportunities to build the skills that will help guide you through life,” says Woodley.

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