by L.A. Warren
A $75 million corporate investment is expected to provide a major boost to select students at Jackson Public Schools who will enroll in the Lockheed Martin STEM Academy at Jackson State University for a summer training program.
The financial incentive will help support an intensive four-summer, six-week academy, which is in its third summer at JSU. Hands-on experience is a major component of the initiative, which especially targets first-year program students in Grades 6-8.
Other aspects of the academy include a one-week training for JPS teachers, who are expected to become master instructors over the years.
Dr. Richard A. Aló, dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, said, “This investment will impact our STEM Leader Early Identification Program and the continuation of our ongoing work with the Lockheed Martin STEM Academy.”
Because the aim is to prepare students to become curriculum-ready for College STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs, academy teens at JSU will immerse themselves in many academic subjects and strategies. These include math, computer science, problem-solving skills, introduction to engineering, physics and English.
“Partnerships like the one CSET has developed with Lockheed Martin are deeply appreciated and invaluable to the development of our students,” said Angela Getter, development officer.