Athletes for Charity, Tata Technologies and the Detroit Lions have joined forces to expose Detroit Public School students to embrace Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), while also developing their skills in reading and writing.
“The demand for skilled workers in science, technology, engineering, and math is on the rise while the availability of qualified applicants is on the decline because students are not pursuing degrees and careers within the sector,” said Alisa Harewood of Tata Technologies, a global engineering services company with North American headquarters located in Novi.
The program aims to improve learning outcomes and student interest in science, technology, engineering and math, while creating pathways to success in post-secondary education and 21st century careers.
Two schools have been selected for the inaugural launch of the STEM Youth Literacy Program: Clark Preparatory Academy—visited on Sept. 9—and Dixon Educational Learning Academy. Representatives from Tata Technologies, Athletes for Charity and the Detroit Lions are set to visit Dixon on Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Our goal is to invest time and resources into the development of creative and effective approaches to STEM education,” said Cathleen Laporte, founder and president of Athletes for Charity. “Our partnership with Tata Technologies and the Detroit Lions represent an innovative way to fuse the nonprofit, corporate and sports sectors, to motivate students in the areas of STEM.”
The curriculum will include monthly book distributions by various Detroit Lions players, coordinated by Don Carey of the Lions, to deliver age-appropriate STEM-related titles to students. Introductions to STEM literature and careers will be a recurring theme throughout the 10-month long program. Tata Technologies staff and various Detroit Lions players will volunteer their time to serve as STEM Readers.
The titles to be distributed as part of the literacy component will include Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat Learning series for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten grades; DK Eye Wonder’s Space, Human Body, Weather and Cars for 1st grade; Disney’s Wonderful World of Space, Earth, Dinosaurs, Nature, Animals, and Sharks for 2nd and 3rd grades; and the DK Pocket Genius series or Penguin Group’s Who Is…? or Who Was…? titles for 4th and 5th grades. The program will feature monthly vocabulary development and drawing contests for Pre-Kindergarten through 1st grades and essay contests for 2nd through 5th grades to help develop reading and comprehension skills.
Academic incentives will include tickets to Lions, Pistons and Tigers games; autographed items from sports professionals i.e. autographed footballs, basketballs and baseballs; photos; t-shirts; etc.; LEGO product to foster hands-on learning; and field trips to local educational institutions.
Detroit Lions Safety Don Carey is a founding member of the program and serves as a liaison to the team and his teammates who have elected to volunteer for the initiative. Invitations have been extended to Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings players to join the team as STEM supporters.
Additional supporters of the STEM Youth Literacy Program include The Helen L. Kay Charitable Trust and support from athletes such as Detroit native Anthony Adams, a retired nine-year NFL veteran who most recently played for the Chicago Bears. Adams currently serves a as a host of Inside the Bears.
