Secretary of Education Introduces Governor's STEM Competition: Improving Pennsylvania through STEM; Open to PA High School Students

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Education Pedro A. Rivera today announced the opening of the Governor's 2016 STEM Competition, this year named "Improving Pennsylvania through STEM", and invited Pennsylvania's high school students to participate.

The annual themed competition is open to public, nonpublic and private school students in grades 9-12 to showcase their skills and expertise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

"The Governor's STEM Competition is truly unique and worthwhile because these are the fields that will provide the high-priority, in-demand jobs of tomorrow," said Secretary Rivera. "By encouraging students to engage in activities that hone their skills in these areas, we're not only encouraging them to set themselves up for future success but to also have fun while learning. This competition provides a great opportunity for students to forge deeper connections with their communities while increasing knowledge and strengthening their skill sets."

Teams of five students will be selected from each interested school and will explore STEM opportunities available in their local communities. Students will engage with their local communities to learn about STEM-related careers and the skills necessary to be successful. To culminate the experience, students will be asked to present their findings and explain the practical applications of their device to a panel of judges. The challenge will test teams' communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills while providing a unique opportunity to share their creativity with students from across the state. Approximately 170 teams (limit one team per high school) are expected to participate.

The first phase of the competition will take place in February 2016 during regional competitions to be hosted by the state's intermediate units.  Student teams that win the regional competition will advance to the statewide competition, which will be held on May 22, 2016, at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster.

The top three teams placing in the statewide competition will earn scholarships for postsecondary education.  For first place, each student team member will receive $2,000; for second place, each student will receive $1,000; and for third place, each student will receive $500.

For information about the competition's rules and guidelines, visit www.pastemcompetition.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman, 717-783-9802.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

Related Links

http://www.pastemcompetition.com