Mercy Verizon-Funded Program Provides Foundational STEM Experiences for Middle School Students
A Middle School student in the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program at Mercy University using a virtual reality headset as his family looks on.
In early August, the Mercy University Center for STEM Education welcomed families of middle school students from across the Bronx and Westchester County, New York to view their children’s cumulative presentations after three weeks of fun and STEM learning. The middle school presenters were part of a summer STEM education experience which took place at Mercy’s Bronx and Dobbs Ferry Campuses.
Funded by a Verizon Innovative Learning Grant and named the “Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program,” the three-week summer program at Mercy University was free for its 125 student participants, many of whom come from low-income households. Mercy is the only New York college to receive the Verizon Innovative Learning Grant and administer the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program. The Verizon Program aims to empower middle school students from under-resourced schools to build STEM and entrepreneurship skills through hands on instruction using next gen technology.
For the Mercy University Center for STEM Education (MUCSE), administering the Verizon Program furthered its core mission. Co-directors and Mercy professors Amanda M. Gunning, Ph.D. and Meghan E. Marrero, Ed.D. started the MUCSE to create learning opportunities for groups typically underrepresented in STEM.
“The Center for STEM Education and Mercy University aims to meet the STEM education needs of underserved groups through research-based work with our own students and community outreach that includes local schools,” explained Gunning.
Through STEM learning and college and career readiness for K-12 students – whose school districts may not offer such activities – MUCSE prepares youth to succeed in STEM subjects academically and professionally. MUCSE also educates regional public-school teachers in research-based STEM concepts and curricula to integrate into their teachings. It is the only academic center in New York’s Westchester and Rockland Counties to host events, organize activities and conduct research related to STEM education.
“Students’ lack of preparation for applying knowledge of science in new situations and to their lives is more than just a problem of classroom instruction: it is also a challenge tied to race, English language proficiency, and socioeconomic status,” said Marrero. The Center is giving students the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in STEM knowledge, so that they are prepared to make civic and social decisions that affect their families and communities,” said Gunning.
MUCSE staff members Daniela Martinez, STEM education programs facilitator, and Mary Ushay, assistant director, oversaw day-to-day operations of the Verizon summer program. “While the program lasts only a few weeks, it’s clear the students develop curiosity and critical thinking,” said Martinez. “They are inspired to use their imagination and learn more.” Ushay also noticed a difference in the students' engagement from the first to the last day of the program. “Their smiles said it all.”
Students in the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program at Mercy University learned about robotics, 3D printing, programming, and design thinking. The students took a field trip to Five Islands Park in New Rochelle, New York. During the trip, students learned real-world use of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for marine science exploration and research.
“My favorite part [of the summer STEM experience] was the field trip, when we saw the horseshoe crab!” exclaimed one of the middle school participants. Another student said, “My favorite part was all of the gadgets that we got to use!” Another enjoyed 3D printing: “You get to use your imagination, and print all of your designs,” he said.
The Mercy University Center for STEM Education will be holding a fall open house on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. for families interested in participating in the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program next summer. For more information, please email Daniela Martinez at dmartinez41@mercy.edu.
To read more about the Mercy University Center for STEM Education, please click here
