K-12 STEM Educational Outreach Opportunities. Rocky Mountain AWIM Initiative (RMAI) to include all Montana Schools

A World In Motion (AWIM) program is a comprehensive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education solution. For 20 years, SAE International AWIM programs have brought together teachers and business volunteers to introduce students in grades 4 – 10, the wonders of STEM education. Beginning in January 2012, AWIM will include a literary-based STEM awareness component for grades K-3, making the AWIM program a complete K-12 scope and sequence, which prepares students for SAE’s Collegiate Design Series (CDS).

In addition to individual classroom experiences, SAE’s AWIM programs provide K-12 STEM educational Outreach Opportunities. These "turnkey and customized" initiatives prepare today’s students with the necessary tools for tomorrow’s workplace.

One of the most pressing issues facing industry and business today is the decline of students enrolling in science, math, and technology courses. This decline affects how businesses meet future workforce demands in order to remain innovative and competitive. This learning is critical to ensure that today’s students have "what it takes" to meet the challenges of a changing economy.

SAE’s AWIM programs are designed to engage, excite, and encourage students to explore STEM subjects and careers, even in the most remote regions of our states. With an array of corporate and community partnerships we have instituted the Rocky Mountain AWIM Initiative (RMAI). Montana’s OPI Superintendent, Denise Juneau together with First Lady Nancy Schweitzer value SAE’s AWIM programs as highlighted on Montana’s Web Site at Montana’s Math & Science Initiative http://mathscience.mt.gov/home.htm .

RMAI took root from previous undertakings (Frontier States Initiative) to foster STEM education since the mid-1990s. Arne Siegel, a prominent Montana businessman, in an effort to secure Montana students with the best technological and science based education, began working with Montana ambassadors from universities, former governors, and various business leaders. His idea generated years of research and financial support from SAE through his Frontier States Initiative. Together with Mr. Siegel SAE has re-established, revitalized, and rejuvenated this promise through the newly formed Rocky Mountain AWIM Initiative (RMAI).

It is our goal to ensure every child in every school in Montana, has the opportunity to discover and engage in AWIM. As with any initiative, we cannot do this alone. We need the support of business and industry leaders to champion their community of schools and as a result guarantee a workforce with a solid foundation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

RMAI is seeking the support of business and industry leaders. Please jump on board this initiative by first checking out http://www.awim.org and connecting to the Rocky Mountain Initiative link. Contact Patricia Schneider, RMAI Education Consultant, at [email protected] or Chris Ciuca, AWIM Program Manager, [email protected] for more information and to secure your support.