Siemens Foundation Announces 2010 Siemens Stem Academy; Initiative Supports Obama Administration's Call To Advance Science Literacy Among American Students

NEW YORK, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its twelve-year track record of supporting science education programs and responding to the President's recent call to action to improve science literacy among American students, the Siemens Foundation in conjunction with Discovery Education, Oak Ridge Associated Universities and the College Board, is kicking off a new nationwide initiative, The Siemens STEM Academy. The Academy is designed to advance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education in the United States by engaging educators from across the country through hands-on and multimedia professional development opportunities that will ultimately improve STEM education for students nationwide.

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The national Siemens STEM Academy encompasses the following four elements:

• "Siemens Teachers as Researchers" (STARs)

A two-week residential professional development and research immersion program for select middle and high school teachers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the country's largest multi-purpose national research laboratory, located in Oak Ridge, TN. Teachers will have the unique opportunity to engage with top scientists and researchers on short-term research projects related to current topics of national interest.  Through authentic research, professional scientific collaboration and educational enhancements, the program offers valuable insights, resources and scientific contacts that educators can bring back to the classroom. Applications are now being accepted through March 1 and can be found at www.siemensstemacademy.com.

• "Siemens STEM Academy" Institute

A week-long STEM immersion program that will enable 50 select teachers to gather and engage with today's critical science thinkers and other peers from across the nation and visit leading institutions to see real-world applications of STEM subject matter. In addition, the Institute also will include monthly professional development opportunities, support and additional tools and resources designed to further inspire student achievement in STEM education.

• "STEM Academy Online" Portal

A national portal and online community at www.siemensstemacademy.com, designed to foster STEM achievement by providing educators with a dedicated resource to collaborate, exchange and connect about all things related to STEM education.

• "Brains of Science Connect" Webinar Series

A monthly webinar series that gives educators from across the country the chance to interact with today's eminent scientists, personalities and thought-leaders and extend that experience to their students through customized, standards-based content.

"This Academy reinforces the Siemens Foundation's commitment to excellence in STEM education, while celebrating the extraordinary student achievements showcased through our programs over the years," said James Whaley, President of the Siemens Foundation. "Discovery Education, the College Board and Oak Ridge Associated Universities share our enthusiasm for advancing STEM education and we're thrilled for their partnership in the Siemens STEM Academy."

"Each successful student can point to a great teacher in their life who encouraged and inspired them and the Siemens STEM Academy seeks to create a cadre of educators armed with the latest tools and best practices to inspire today's students to become tomorrow's leading scientists," added Bill Goodwyn, President, Discovery Education.  

Founded in 1998, the Siemens Foundation invests millions of dollars each year to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.  The Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology and the Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement reward exceptional achievement in science, math and technology, while the Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge encourages K-12 students to develop sustainable solutions for environmental issues.

About the Siemens Foundation

The Siemens Foundation provides more than $7 million annually in support of educational initiatives in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the United States. Its signature programs include the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology, Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement, and The Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge, which encourages K-12 students to develop innovative green solutions for environmental issues. In February 2010 the Siemens Foundation launched its newest initiative, The Siemens STEM Academy, a national STEM education program for teachers designed to support educators in their efforts to foster student achievement in these fields. By supporting outstanding students today, and recognizing the teachers and schools that inspire their excellence, the Foundation helps nurture tomorrow's scientists and engineers. The Foundation's mission is based on the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the hallmark of Siemens' U.S. companies and its parent company, Siemens AG. For further information, visit www.siemens-foundation.org.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education.  Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement.  Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services.  Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

About Oak Ridge Associated Universities

Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) is a university consortium leveraging the scientific strength of 98 major research institutions to advance science and education by partnering with national laboratories, government agencies, and private industry. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education for the U.S. Department of Energy. For further information, visit www.orau.org.

About the College Board

The College Board is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board is composed of more than 5,700 schools, colleges, universities and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves seven million students and their parents, 23,000 high schools, and 3,800 colleges through major programs and services in college readiness, college admission, guidance, assessment, financial aid and enrollment. Among its widely recognized programs are the SAT^®, the PSAT/NMSQT^®, the Advanced Placement Program^® (AP^®), SpringBoard^® and ACCUPLACER^®. The College Board is committed to the principles of excellence and equity, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities and concerns.  For further information, visit www.collegeboard.com

SOURCE Discovery Education