University initiative tries to lure more students to math and science

At a forum held Wednesday at the I-STEM (Illinois Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Education Initiative’s offices, 22 University faculty members assembled to discuss current and future outreach activities on campus.

The I-STEM Education Initiative works toward increasing the amount of students pursuing careers in math and science. The initiative coordinates programs for K-12 schools and often receives funding from federal organizations, such as the National Science Foundation.

One concern addressed Wednesday was how to continue certain outreach programs after grant funding discontinues.

When a grant runs out, schools that participate in programs funded by the grant have to decide whether to continue or cut the programs.

LaSonya Harris, coordinator of outreach programs for the department of computer science, said some schools are “willing to fund programs even if they lost (grant) funding,” because they recognize the importance of the program.

However, she said it remains a problem if the school must use its own funds.

I-STEM reaches out to underrepresented students, which Harris said is one important aspect of the program.

Richard Herman, special assistant to the University president and former chancellor, said he planned to continue working with I-STEM because more students need to learn math and science to help America compete globally.

Herman said that during his time as chancellor, the College of Education had increased the amount of spots available for people interested in teaching math and science courses.

He added that many teachers do not teach the discipline they specialize in, which could degrade the quality of instruction students are receiving in math and science classes.

“We need to double the number of teachers we have in those areas,” he said.

Herman said many issues, such as low teacher salaries, need to be addressed.

“One option is to create fellowships for people that go to teach in areas where schools are not so great,” he said. “Another is offering education loan forgiveness.” .

While Herman said the focus is to ensure high quality instruction in math and science, some at the I-STEM Education Initiative said it had a broader focus.

The forum Wednesday brought faculty and staff from across campus together to discuss what type of outreach activities they are working on, said Elizabeth Niswander, program coordinator for the I-STEM Education Initiative.

“It is an on-going sustained conversation,” she said. “It also makes people aware of resources available to them, and enables then to network.”