GW ECOSTEM is an initiative working with innovative uses of research and education technology to provide a Schools to Jobs (S2J) program focused on solar energy. The initiative will develop Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related internships and jobs for Washington, D.C. K-20 youth. It will also create professional development opportunities for D.C. Public School (DCPS) teachers, develop a learn-by-seeing and learn-by-doing curriculum and provide access to big data research in ECOSTEM fields. This initiative will help transform districts into Green communities to provide the foundation for a sustainable jobs program.
The Capital Area Advanced Research and Education Network (CAAREN) will help facilitate this initiative by providing an established community of education, industry, technology and government partners, as well as a high bandwidth infrastructure to connect D.C. schools, libraries and museums to Internet2 network resources. CAAREN will connect ECOSTEM members to regional and international education and training centers, as well as leading research institutes.
The GW Sustainability Institute will provide oversight and guidance in the development of the comprehensive online education and training program. The Institute will ensure that up-to-date content is online, and will collaborate with university faculty and DCPS teachers to develop an age and skills appropriate curriculum. ECOSTEM is currently in an incubation period and will become a live service in the near future.
To learn more about this initiative, please email [email protected].