Cat Orias
An Intro to STEM Skills: A Course to Help At-Risk Students

Hey, we're excited to let you know about our new course that helps at-risk students work on their STEM skills. We've seen a lot of success with this program, and we think you'll love it too.
Background on at-Risk Students and STEM Skills
In the United States, an at-risk student is one who is more likely to not graduate from high school or to not pursue a college degree. This designation can refer to students who are low-income, first-generation college students, or students of color.
One way to help at-risk students is to give them access to STEM courses and programs. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, and these subjects are essential for many careers.
The course that we're talking about today is called "An Intro to STEM Skills." It's designed to help at-risk students build the skills they need in order to pursue a career in science or technology.
Understanding the Importance of STEM Skills for at-Risk Students
It can be tough for at-risk students to find their footing in the world, but with the right support and opportunities, they can excel. That's why we're excited to offer our new course, Intro to STEM Skills.
This course is designed to help at-risk students develop the skills they need to thrive in a STEM-based career. We'll cover topics like problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication—skills that are essential in any STEM field.
We believe that every student deserves a chance to shine, and with this course, we're giving at-risk students the opportunity to explore the exciting world of STEM. We hope you'll join us!
Assessing Student's Current STEM Skill Level
Before starting the course, it's important to assess your student's current STEM skill level. This will help to determine their needs and provide them with the most appropriate instruction.
There are a few different ways to do this. One option is to administer a standardized test such as the ACT or SAT. Another is to have your student complete a skills assessment survey, like the ASQ or ASAM.
Once you have an idea of your student's current skills, you can begin to develop a plan of action. The course will provide you with a variety of resources and activities that can help your student improve their STEM skills.
Setting Goals for STEM Skill Development and Success
The next step in this course is setting goals for STEM skill development and success. This is an important part of making sure you stay motivated and on track throughout the course. First, focus on a specific outcome that you want to achieve. Then, break that down into smaller goals that are measurable and achievable. For example, if you want to be able to create a basic program in a coding language, you can break down that big outcome into smaller goals, such as writing 100 lines of code each day or mastering five new concepts each week. Finally, make sure to track your progress so that you can measure your progress toward your long-term goal.
Implementing Activities to Strengthen STEM Skills
Once the course has been designed and structured, it's time to implement activities to strengthen STEM skills. There are a variety of activities you can incorporate, from experimenting with electronics and robotics to engaging in virtual lab simulations.
For younger students, hands-on activities can be an effective way of teaching STEM skills. For example, building a bridge out of toothpicks and clay or constructing a miniature solar system out of model supplies. This not only helps build problem-solving skills but also teaches students how to think critically and creatively.
For older students, virtual simulations or game-like activities can engage them in math, science, engineering, and technology concepts. Computer coding challenges and programming exercises are excellent ways to hone their STEM skills in an enjoyable way.
Monitoring Student Progress With STEM Skills
To ensure that students in the course are making progress with their STEM skills, instructors will regularly monitor their work and provide feedback. In addition to weekly assignments, and mid-term and final exams, there will be regular check-ins to assess student understanding of the content.
All learning materials are available online, so instructors have the ability to review student progress in real-time and provide feedback right away. Through these checks and balances, students will be motivated to stay on track and make steady progress in their STEM skill development.
Conclusion
So, if you're at risk, or know someone who is, and you're looking for a way to help, a STEM course might be the perfect solution. STEM skills are in high demand in the workforce, and with the right education, at-risk students can have a bright future.