City leaders want to triple the number of Chicago students with STEM certificates in the next five years and aim to accomplish that with a multi-faceted approached, the details of which were revealed Thursday.
"By increasing access to a high-quality [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] education, we are providing our children with the tools they need to get a solid footing on the economic ladder, innovate new technology, and make new scientific breakthroughs that will define the future of our City," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
According to a release from Emanuel's office, the "cradle to career" strategy aims to improve teachers' access to resources, get more students into STEM courses, and then provide them with access to internships, work-based learning and real-world application.
Among the major partners is the Museum of Science & Industry.
"The museum is leading the effort to make sure that we have another 1,000 teachers trained throughout the city of Chicago who are comfortable in the language of science," the mayor said after a Thursday tour of the museum.
Organizations participating in the strategy include more than 15 local colleges and universities, more than 20 non-profit youth-serving organizations, museums and cultural institutions and several foundations and workforce development partners.
