This Golden LEAF grant provides funds to Macon County Schools to establish STEM labs and learning classrooms in all middle and high schools in the district. The project is part of the Smoky Mountains Regional STEM initiative started in Swain County by Swain County Schools and Southwestern Community College (SCC). Several companies in the area have experienced difficulty finding qualified employees in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and computer technology. Macon will work with SCC, public school partners from Jackson and Swain counties, and industry partners to create a seamless regional approach to workforce training through STEM pathways aligned with higher education and regional employment targets. Funds are requested to support professional development for teachers, equipment and supplies for high school STEM labs, middle school math and science software, Discovery Ed Math Techbooks, robotics and STEM kits and supplies for summer and after-school enrichment programs, and a STEM coordinator.
