STEM-H Education is a multi-disciplinary approach to teaching and learning that integrates science, technology ,engineering, math and health with the objective of strengthening problem solving skills.
In the past, these four parts of STEM-H were taught separately and independently of each other, and were rarely introduced before high school. Part of the STEM-H initiative is to introduce science and technology earlier, and provide hands-on learning for students before middle school.
STEM-H Education encourages students and teachers to think about how these disciplines work together. If used consistently, STEM-H Education provides the learner with a critical thinking skill set or “toolbox” if you will, in order to face future problems they might encounter throughout their education and careers.
Politicians point to America's declining math and science scores, employers complain that engineering jobs go begging, and educators are revamping curricula to bolster STEM-H programs. One forgets that over 33% of CEO's of Fortune 500 companies have undergraduate degrees in engineering. The National Science Foundation estimates that 80% of the jobs created in the next decade will require some form of math and science skills.
Mission
The UNM STEM-H Center advances STEM-H teaching and learning through outreach, research, and education programs, services, & resources.
Our mission is accomplished by, but not limited to…
Developing strategic STEM-H education focused partnerships and collaborations among UNM faculty/staff and within the community (public-private) to increase and sustain engagement as well as create opportunities to increase collective impact
Developing, facilitating, and/or coordinating innovative STEM-H Educator Professional Development opportunities
Developing, facilitating, and/or coordinating STEM-H focused student learning opportunities (workshops, etc.)
Administering the highest quality STEM-H focused academic competitions for 4th-12th grade students
Engaging in STEM-H education focused policy and advocacy work
Vision
We are a recognized leader in the STEM-H teaching & learning community in New Mexico and beyond.
We serve as a key player in the coordination of University of New Mexico STEM-H external outreach activities in order to support the University as well as the community in its efforts to collectively reach key system-wide STEM-H education goals including significantly increasing the recruitment, retention, and graduation of STEM-H majors.
We provide a comprehensive center for STEM-H education resources, outreach programs, and support services.
We are a hub for dissemination of information regarding STEM-H teaching and learning best practices and innovation.
We facilitate the cultivation and support of strategic STEM-H education focused collaborations & partnerships.
Team Values
We operate with a sense of PURPOSE and the desire to leave a lasting LEGACY in the field of STEM-H education.
We operate, at all times, with INTEGRITY and COURTESY.
We conduct our business in the spirit of COOPERATION.
We are open to CHANGE, encourage CREATIVITY, and strive for INNOVATION.
We are ACCOUNTABLE for our actions and are COMMITTED to the mission of the organization.
We are DEPENDABLE and COMPETENT. Our team members, as well as our constituents, know we will deliver what we promise.
We value WISDOM gathered through experience, seek to instill PASSION in our work, and act with COURAGE as we strive to fulfill our mission and work toward our vision on a daily basis.
