On October 15, 2015, the Alden Central School District received an award for their development in the STEM initiative. This is a program that encourages growth in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by promoting project-based learning. Alden also u
ses “A” in the acronym to stand for arts, creating STEAM. The initiative prepares students for a variety of careers in various different fields that are necessary to support economic growth in our country. The district has been selected for recognition by WNY STEM because it has “demonstrated a commitment to allocating resource, developing staff, establishing programs, and identifying priorities for STEM.” Alden was nominated for this award by a member of the community, Mr. Mark Casell.

“Alden is making a conscious effort to promote collaboration among the five STEAM categories,” says Mr. Turton, the school’s work-based learning coordinator. ICE (Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship) and Creative Studies are two courses that the district has added within the past two years that perfectly combine the elements of STEAM. Both of these courses teach students strong skills in science, technology, engineering, art, and math by using hands-on projects and activities. They also have foundations of creative thinking and problem solving which is necessary for any career. ICE is based more so on business, while Creative Studies covers a broader range of fields. In addition, Alden has designed the Innovation Lab with these specific categories in mind to help cultivate innovation.

 Students have recently been exposed to opportunities for skilled trade careers in which STEM can be applied within local industries. For example, there was just a field trip to Greatbatch to educate students on manufacturing and show them that math and science are necessary for skilled trade jobs. There is also going to be a STEAM Career Day on Friday, November 13^th to introduce technical and artistic careers to high schoolers. It will showcase ways for students to gain experience for lots of diverse jobs relating to STEAM.

 “Mr. Ryan has been a great supporter of the STEAM concept in our building and Mr. Stoltman is working to support the collaboration across the Alden District,” Mr. Turton stated. The middle school principle, Mr. Smith, has also organized a STEAM Night that will take place this spring. Our administrators have been working hard to integrate STEAM into Alden since 2013 and have had a lot of success, so it is about time they got recognized.

Representatives from the district attended the WNY STEM recognition dinner meeting on October 15^th at Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus to receive the award.