STEM-Related Pilot Program Launches In Alexandria School

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Students at James K. Polk Elementary School in Alexandria are getting a chance to expand their STEM knowledge with a new pilot program.

As part of the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus announcement, a partnership with Alexandria City Public Schools to strengthen science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) opportunities for K-12 students. This could create potential pathways toward technical careers, which the Innovation Campus will prepare students for with its postgraduate programs.

The newest pilot program with Virginia Tech and ACPS involves providing micro:bit equipment to fifth-grade students at Polk Elementary. This pocket-sized computer has an LED light display, buttons, sensors and input/output features that allow it to interact with users, showing students how hardware and software work together. The aim is for students to get excited about technologies and the opportunities it creates.

"This device has a number of sensors — temperature, humidity, motion detection, light detection and sound detection," said Virginia Tech Thinkabit Lab Director Jim Egenrieder. "All of these great things give students this tangible way to study the world around them and connect it with new skills in programming."

Virginia Tech is also providing students with skill development in creative technology professions. Students can learn in a hands-on environment through labs and software programs. Students historically underrepresented in the creative technology field will also have access to micro-scholarships, mentoring and a network of support. The pilot program will be extended to additional schools later.

"For them to be able to see themselves as someone who can be someone who is in stem, is going to be phenomenal for all of them, because it kind of levels the playing field," said Marie Peaches, a teacher at Polk Elementary. "I think it's going to be really, really good for them to be able to experience coding and to be able to see how it can fit in their lives. I don't just have to be a YouTuber. I can actually be the person who is the creator of this."

Along with this pilot program at Polk Elementary, Virginia Tech's partnership with ACPS involves providing support and professional learning to staff, middle school STEM exploration, development of the AC-Tech project to support engineering, energy and other career pathways, and pathways from high school to college for low-income, underrepresented students.

"We are thrilled to partner with the Alexandria City Public Schools for this important initiative," said Lance Collins, Virginia Tech Innovation Campus vice presidents and executive director. "Programming starting at the elementary school level allows students to focus, get excited, and eventually prepare for what’s required to enter STEM fields."

Superintendent Gregory Hutchings believes ACPS students wouldn't have these career pathway opportunities if not for the work with Virginia Tech.

"The exposure will pique interest, which we hope in turn, will expand STEM opportunities for our students in high school," said Hutchings. "We are such a diverse community and we have students who are underrepresented in the STEM field. Giving them that access at an early age really is a game-changer."