College of the Canyons will be partnering with the Sulphur Springs School District (SSUSD) to help support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) / Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) learning experiences for students in grades 4-6 at five elementary schools.

The collaboration will be made possible thanks to a Title IV $878,343 grant from the California Department of Education awarded to SSUSD.

“We are very excited to play a role in this partnership as it promotes a college-going culture in our community,” said Jerry Buckley, Assistant Superintendent / Vice President of Academic Affairs at the college. “This partnership will lead to high quality experiences for local students at a very crucial age.”

As a support partner, the college will receive a $45,000 subgrant to assist SSUSD teachers and students with enrichment activities, including extended learning opportunities, instruction, and student collaboration.

The college’s role will also include implementing a School-wide Enrichment Model (SEM) at five SSUSD schools to promote well-rounded educational opportunities and student engagement through STEAM integration.

The project’s goal is to provide students the opportunity to learn how STEAM can relate to their personal interests. For example, students can learn about the physics and engineering behind amusement park design/operation or the food chemistry behind culinary arts.

“Giving students the opportunity to engage in interest based learning is invaluable for building student confidence and intellectual growth,” said Jezelle Fullwood, Sulphur Springs Union School District Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.

“We want to help students engage and explore real-world STEAM concepts and challenges that are appropriate for their grade level,” said Micah Young, Interim Dean of the college’s School of Mathematics, Sciences and Health Professions.

It is anticipated that these collaborations will culminate with public student presentations at the end of the school year.

The project is expected to have a partial launch in spring 2019.