Michigan schools get free access to STEM careers

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Learning Blade, a STEM career exploration platform for grades 5-9, is now available free to Michigan educators. Through mission-based adventures, Learning Blade empowers students to solve real-world challenges, with more than 100 in-demand careers and technologies to choose from. The missions are designed to stimulate interest in future work opportunities and make connections between career awareness and academic relevance.

Michigan joins 12 other states that have full access Learning blade.

“There is no doubt that students benefit from access to Learning Blade, particularly students in rural areas,” said Dr. Allen Pratt, executive director of the National Rural Education Association (NREA) in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “Last year, students in our state completed over 1.8 million STEM career missions through Learning Blade. Upon graduation, 66% of students said they learned about future careers in STEM and 67% said they learned about technology.”

The demand for digitally savvy professionals in STEM fields is higher than ever due to rapid technological innovation. But employers in Michigan face a difficult journey when it comes to finding qualified workers almost 338,000 STEM jobs in the next three years. Almost today 90% of jobs in Michigan require digital skills, including in priority sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare and agriculture. Industry-specific skills and knowledge in design and manufacturing software, electronic medical records software, SAS statistical software and SAP are required.

“To address the STEM talent shortage, we need to reach students as early as possible, well before they reach high school,” said Jerry Wooden, CEO of eDynamic Learning, the company that powers Learning Blade. “We are extremely proud to offer Learning Blade as a free resource for Michigan students, educators and families because everyone should have the opportunity to dream big and reach their full potential.”

Research has shown that the main reason students do not pursue STEM careers is a lack of awareness. One Opinion poll found that 42% of adults would have considered a career in STEM if they had a better understanding of the options available.

“Middle school is the perfect time to spark interest in STEM careers,” said Dr. June Teisan, Michigan Teacher of the Year, National Hall of Fame Educator and CEO of InnovatED313. “Learning Blade empowers educators to connect students with real-world opportunities to expand their future prospects.”

After participating in Learning Blade, research conducted by Battelle found that 84% of students were more likely to pursue a job that involved designing or building things, while 59% said they were more likely to pursue a career in STEM . Learning Blade also saw a 56% increase in students interested in taking advanced math courses in high school and a 55% increase in students who “strongly agree” that they are interested in a career in computer science are interested.

To register your school for Learning Blade, please visit learningblade.com/MI.

Learning Blade is being delivered to schools in Michigan through a collaboration between the Submarine Industrial Base and the BlueForge Alliance (www.buildsubmarines.com).

About Learning Blade
Learning Blade, powered by eDynamic Learning, is a digital platform that inspires students to explore and consider career paths in STEM, computer science and CTE. The platform offers over 400 lessons aligned to state standards and helps educators integrate hands-on, project-based learning into their curriculum. With a focus on grades 5-9, Learning Blade fosters passion for future careers in important industries. Visit learningblade.com

About eDynamic Learning
eDynamic Learning, a classroom teacher-founded company, is dedicated to empowering educators with equitable and accessible learning materials as they prepare learners for life beyond the classroom. We support teachers and programs that help students explore their interests and career options, gain skills through career and technical education (CTE), and develop life-ready skills such as interpersonal communication, financial literacy, and more. We are proud that our solutions and services are designed to help educators guide students on transformative journeys of discovery, engage them in learning, and enable them to participate in real-world experiences. Visit edynamiclearning.com

About the BlueForge Alliance
BlueForge Alliance (BFA) is a non-profit defense industrial base integrator supporting the initiatives and efforts of the U.S. Navy’s submarine industrial bases to strengthen and sustain the maritime manufacturing sector. BFA is a key partner in the Navy SIB program’s mission to ensure industry has the ability, capacity and resilience to build and maintain America’s next generation of subsea platforms. BFA is headquartered in Bryan/College Station, Texas. For more information, see www.BlueForgeAlliance.us.

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