Niles North Chosen to Pilot New STEM Learning Exchange

Written by Morgan Delack.

Niles North High School has been chosen by the Illinois Science and Technology Institute as a partner school that will pilot the the tools of the Research & Development STEM Learning Exchange next school year.

The program is part of Illinois Pathways, a $10.3 million initiative launched by the State of Illinois to better prepare students to compete in the global economy. The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Learning exchanges are designed to coordinate investments, resources and planning for programs that empower youth and adults to explore academic and career interests in STEM fields. 

In its pilot year, the R&D STEM Learning Exchange aims to impact more than 250 students and 20 high school teachers through three key initiatives. Students will engage in industry-sponsored challenges that enable real-world research experiences. The Exchange will also implement a virtual mentor- matching program for students to engage with an industry or university mentor around an authentic research experience. Schools will connect with local programs and resources enabling greater impact of existing STEM learning tools.

For more information about the R&D STEM Learning Exchange, visit http://istcoalition.org/illinois-science-and-technology-institute/rd-stem-learning-exchange/. 

To learn more about Illinois Pathways, visit: www.illinoisworknet.com/ilpathways.