Gov. Nathan Deal has announced 18 award winners for the Innovation Fund, a competitive grant program that provides more than $4.5 million to local education authorities, schools, institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations to further advance student achievement in Georgia. Georgia Southern University was awarded a scaling grant for the Real STEM program, led by the University’s Institute for Interdisciplinary STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Education (i2STEMe). The scaling grant will provide $200,000 over a two-year period to further the program.

“This program ties very nicely into two state efforts that are related to national efforts, the development of STEM designated schools and workforce development,” said Robert Mayes, director of i2STEMe. “Currently, 13 schools are participating in the project and with this grant, we will expand to five additional school districts.”

The Real STEM program is one of Georgia Southern’s key STEM projects within i2STEMe. The program looks at developing authentic real world experiences for middle and high school students through interdisciplinary STEM research courses. 

“Our goal with this project is partnership. Partnership between Georgia Southern, school districts, regional businesses and research institutes to connect students with experts in the field,” added Mayes.

Other universities, such as Georgia Tech, have replicated a variation of the successful program within their schools. The grant will assist the Institute in partnering with Mercer University in the Macon and Atlanta areas in the near future. 

“These deserving organizations are among Georgia’s most dedicated to advancing academic achievement throughout the state,” said Deal. “I am confident these funds will give our schools and groups devoted to education the opportunity to focus on applied learning techniques and STEM development. Together, we can help every Georgia student experience an innovative and enriching educational environment.”