Chattanooga Students Dive Into STEM with Exciting New Program
CHATTANOOGA, TN – Have you ever thought about what it takes to build a submarine? Well, students at CGLA (Chattanooga Girls’ Leadership Academy) are getting a unique chance to find out through a groundbreaking new partnership aimed at boosting STEM education. This initiative is all about opening doors for middle schoolers to explore careers in fields they might not even know exist!
An Exciting Opportunity in Education
At the heart of this effort is Learning Blade, a program designed to bring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education into the lives of middle school students. Jerry Wooden, the CEO of eDynamic Learning, emphasizes the urgency of this program. He points out the impressive demand for skilled workers in the submarine industry, noting that the U.S. Navy is set to hire over 100,000 employees over the next decade to keep pace with its goals.
“We expect to need 200,000 more STEM jobs in Tennessee in the next four years,” Wooden states. This partnership with BuildSubmarine.com and Blue Forge Alliance aims to prepare local students for those roles while also addressing a growing shortage of workers in manufacturing and engineering.
Why STEM Matters
Middle school is a pivotal time for students to begin considering their future careers, and the program is designed to expose them to opportunities in the increasing sectors of the economy. Wooden explains, “Ultimately what we’re trying to do is expose students to career opportunities they may not even be aware of.” One of the key components of the program is to make learning fun and engaging, sparking interest among students in STEM careers.
Principal Sylvia Davis Shares Insight
Having this innovative program in place is a game changer for students. Sylvia Davis, the Principal at CGLA, shares her enthusiasm: “The positions that were discussed that the young ladies had an opportunity to explore while in the classroom expose them to something new. It gives them another avenue, opening up another door for them to explore the world.”
By participating in this curriculum, the students will not only deepen their understanding of math and science but also see how these subjects can directly apply to exciting careers in technology and engineering. This loving push towards education creates a supportive environment for young girls in an often male-dominated field.
A Mission of Awareness
Wooden is especially passionate about instilling a sense of awareness among students regarding the possibilities that lie ahead. “What I hope students see in the curriculum is a whole set of opportunities that they were never aware of,” he remarks. His goal is to inspire students in a way that they remember those interests and inspirations as they navigate their academic and career paths in future years.
Looking Ahead
The program launches a new mission focused on the design and manufacturing of submarines, allowing students to explore a vast array of career fields. As this initiative takes flight, it promises to be not only an educational program but also a source of inspiration for the workforce of tomorrow.
With changes like these happening right here in Chattanooga, it’s clear that local educators and leaders are committed to equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the demands of today’s—and tomorrow’s—job market. The future is bright, and who knows? Perhaps one of these students will one day design the next state-of-the-art submarine!
