A new year of SYSTEM (Strengthening Youth through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) has begun here at PIM! Students arrived October 2 with excitement as teachers and staff welcomed them into their classrooms for a new year of homework help, academic assistance, and exciting enrichment opportunities with a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Thanks to a new round of funding through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, the SYSTEM program is able to expand its services this year to middle school students. Children in grades 3rd-8th are enrolled this year, and we have room for more! While the elementary students will continue to explore STEM through the STEM lab and integrated STEM activities in the classroom, the middle school students will engage in Makerspace. Makerspace is an exciting approach to STEM education and learning that allows students to really use their own creativity as they explore the sciences through their hands-on projects that they choose from the materials provided.
We here at PIM are excited to see what the students learn and do this coming year, and are grateful for the work of the teachers and teaching assistants who have joined us in the endeavor. We also want to thank the Scotland County School system for their partnership as we have worked together to prepare for the students. This will be an exciting year!
For questions about the program or if you would like to volunteer, please contact the SYSTEM Program Director, Dr. Carolyn Banks—(910) 277-3355.
