STEM Professionals in Higher Education Share Initiatives with Ashby Ponds

On November 12, the Ashby Ponds resident Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) group hosted a panel of representatives from local institutions of higher education for an open discussion on STEM-related initiatives. Panelists visited Ashby Ponds from George Mason University, GW’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus, Northern Virginia Community College, and Virginia Tech’s Research Center:

· Jennifer Carter, Associate Director of Continuing and Professional Education at Virginia Tech’s Research Center, shared with the audience of Ashby Ponds residents a number of statistics and new programs being launched by the center. “Virginia Tech is a leading producer of STEM graduates,” said Carter. Carter shared that Virginia Tech produces more than 31% of STEM graduates in the Commonwealth of Virginia and that one-half of Virginia’s engineering graduates every year are from Virginia Tech. Carter also introduced some new STEM-related programs being coordinated by Virginia Tech including a program for 6th-10th graders in the Northern Virginia area called VT SOAR (Science, Outreach, Activities and Resources), which focuses on interaction between teachers and students and the Virginia Tech labs across the area. Another project, VT CLASS promotes lifelong learning and focuses on providing opportunities for those over 50.

· Tosin Adetoro, Loudoun’s STEM Education Coordinator for SySTEMic Solutions at Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC), shared that NVCC received the 2014 Governor’s Award for Science Innovation. NVCC’s STEM initiative began in 2010 in Manassas and one of their major initiatives is a robotics camp. In the last robotics camp, 450 students were registered and there was a wait list. During the 2013-2014 school year, NVCC sponsored 11 area schools and provided robotics equipment. For this school year, they are sponsoring 15 schools. Other NVCC STEM-initiatives include TARC (Team America Rocketry Challenge), Cyber Patriot, VEX Robotics, and Moody’s Mega Math Challenge, just to name a few.

· Kamaljeet Sanghera, PhD, the Executive Director for STEM Outreach in the Vogelnau School of Engineering for George Mason University (GMU), shared that STEM undergraduate students at GMU teach K-12 students about a variety of STEM programs, such as electrical engineering. “They are teaching students how to be entrepreneurs,” said Sanghera. In 2013, the STEM class consisted of 8 female students and 10 male students and grew to 37 female students and 32 male students in 2014. GMU has received sponsorship support for their STEM program from the National Center for Women in Information Technology.

· Paula D. Harper, Executive Director for Program Development and Management at GW’s Virginia Science & Technology Campus, shared information on the campus in Ashburn that focuses on STEM-related fields. In 1991, the Virginia Science and Technology Campus opened up in Loudoun County. Since then, they have expanded campus’s footprint and student population; it now occupies over 120 acres, has 5 buildings, and offers 20 undergraduate and graduate programs. Some of the STEM-related community engagement programs at this campus include Science Technology and Engineering Day, where about 130-140 Loudoun County Public School students come to campus and experience different lab activities; the GW Teachers in Industry Project, which provides teachers with an “externship” experience; JASON Learning in coordination with National Geographic; Share Fair Nation, a joint venture with the Mortgage Foundation; and art shows open to the public.

In August 2014, Governor Terry McAuliffe unveiled a major workforce development initiative; according to a press release from the Governor’s office, part of this initiative focuses on the “need for aligning education with the needs of businesses and diversifying the economy. Named the Best State for STEM Jobs, Virginia has the highest concentration of high tech jobs per capita in the nation. In light of these positive factors, it is critical to prepare for changes to Virginia’s employment marketplace and retiring workforce.”

Noting the importance of STEM education, Ashby Ponds resident Bob Squire launched the STEM resident group at the community on May 14, 2013. There are over two dozen resident members of the group who meet on a monthly basis; most members have spent their careers in one or more of the STEM occupations and volunteer to talk about aspects of their careers at the STEM meetings. Ashby Ponds resident Polly Liss organizes the STEM panels at the community. For several years, Liss served (and still serves as an ex officio member) on the Arlington County Public Schools Citizens Advisory Committee on Career, Technology, and Adult Education.

About Ashby Ponds: Ashby Ponds, one of 18 retirement communities managed by Erickson Living, is situated on a scenic 132-acre campus in Ashburn, Virginia (approximately 30 miles west of Washington, D.C.). The community is home to over 850 residents and has over 120 resident-run and resident-driven clubs and groups, an indoor pool, a fitness club, transportation services, 24-hour security, and flexible dining options. More information about Ashby Ponds can be found at www.ericksonliving.com.