The Sonoma County Office of Education and SSU are collaborating to provide high school juniors interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with an exciting new education program, including a paid summer internship and the opportunity to enroll in SSU classes while in 12th grade.
Saeid Rahimi, Dean the School of Science and Technology, and Sonoma County Superintendent of Schools Carl Wong jointly announced the opening of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program, a strategic partnership aimed at preparing more students for careers in the science and technology sectors.
"This initiative is designed to underscore the importance of a rigorous high school course of study as preparation for the demands of the global workforce," says Wong. "It also serves to strengthen the connection between the high school curriculum and advanced studies at Sonoma State University."
The STEM Program is open to high school juniors who are enrolled in science, mathematics, technology, and/or pre-engineering coursework in Sonoma County high schools. Following an application and selection process, ten students will be chosen to participate in a structured 4-6 week internship program this summer.
The internship will be directed by research faculty from Sonoma State's School of Science and Technology and will include coursework, data gathering and analysis, job shadowing, field studies and observations, and visits to worksites employing science and technology professionals.
"This is a unique opportunity for high school students to directly participate in research projects under the supervision of Sonoma State's Science and Technology faculty," says Rahimi. Students may choose from 13 research projects and will engage in activities such as:
- Studying the behavior and metabolism of elephant seals
- Performing biochemical experiments on lactic acid bacteria to aid in food safety
- Constructing and programming robots to auto-navigate
- Developing a pen interface for computers
- Assisting with the development of an astronomical observatory at Galbreath Wildlands Preserve
- Designing materials and sensors for high-magnetic fields
- Analyzing the statistics of Likert surveys to determine the optimal number of response options
Upon completion of the internship, each participating student will receive a $1,000 stipend underwritten by the Sonoma County Office of Education. The students will also be invited to enroll in related courses at Sonoma State University during their senior year of high school. Attendance at these classes will require concurrent enrollment at SSU and their local high school.
Wong and Rahimi hope that this developing program will be a catalyst to engage other community partners. "Throughout the county, state, and nation, there is a critical shortage of highly skilled workers with degrees in science, mathematics, and engineering," says Wong. "By working together, we are taking steps to address this issue in Sonoma County." All Sonoma County high schools have received information about the STEM Program. Interested students should contact the chair of their school's science department to obtain an application form. Information is also available from Sonoma County Office of Education science specialist Mike Roa, who is coordinating the student application process. He can be reached at 522-3253 or mroa@scoe.org.
