Institute for STEM Education

Outreach and Training for STEM Teachers

Clarkson's Institute for STEM Education supports the next generation of problem-solvers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The Institute aims to establish Clarkson as a national leader in student achievement, inclusive practices and workforce preparation.

Our faculty and staff support students in their transition into college, during their college career and post-graduation. We support America's future STEM workforce in collaboration with everyone from public school districts to industry partners.

Clarkson aims to recruit, retain and educate students from diverse backgrounds and prepare them to be teachers for K-12 and college levels.

IMPETUS

Held in Potsdam, IMPETUS (Integrated Math and Physics for Entry to Undergraduate STEM) connects eligible students in grades 7-12 with Clarkson faculty and students to engage in year-round STEM programs, campus visits, academic support, leadership opportunities and college and career planning.

Horizons

Held in Potsdam, Horizons is an intensive summer program designed to drive inclusive cultural change for middle and high school students from all backgrounds to enable them to excel in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) studies and careers.

STEM Up NY

The STEM Up NY program provides up to 20 scholarships to aspiring teachers in STEM subjects to help address the shortage of secondary teachers for those subjects in high-need schools.

Careers in Teaching Summer Camp

The Clarkson Department of Education hosts a two-day summer camp at the Capital Region Campus in Schenectady, NY for high school students interested in a career in teaching. The camp provides opportunities to students to learn about the profession, learn about teaching and interact with Clarkson graduate students in the Master of Arts in Teaching program.

TEAM Science

TEAM Science is a three-week summer program empowering students with nature knowledge and survival skills to boost success in all aspects of life.

Clarkson STEM Ed Launches Leadership Council to Expand Impact

"This is a critical time for STEM in our nation," said Katie Kavanagh, director of the Institute for STEM Education. "We are honored to welcome the members of our inaugural Leadership Council to help Clarkson address the challenges and opportunities in training the next generation of problem solvers in STEM."

Learn More About the Leadership Council

FIRST Robotics Programs

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. Today, innovative programs motivate young people to pursue education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math while building self-confidence, knowledge and life skills.

STEM Ed Travel Grants

The Institute for STEM Education provides a limited number of travel grants to help Clarkson faculty and staff attend conferences to engage with their professional society or associated disciplinary group in the area of STEM education. First-time applicants or those giving presentations will be given priority. Applicants must be current affiliates of the Institute for STEM Education.

Application deadlines:

June 1 for meetings to be held between July 1 and December 31.
December 1 for meetings to be held between January 1 and June 30.

Apply for a STEM Ed Travel Grant

Teaching Circles

Clarkson STEM Ed supports teaching circles, which host communities interested in sharing concerns and interests around topics related to teaching and learning. Teaching circles are safe spaces in which faculty colleagues:

Generate and share developments related to teaching.
Conceive of innovations or interventions designed to enhance student learning.
Seek scholarly research and resources to inform and support the implementation of trials.

Summer Institute for Early Career Teachers

The Summer Institute for Early Career Teachers prepares the University’s new graduate teaching assistants (TAs) through a required five-week “boot camp,” where TAs take courses on pedagogy with an emphasis on STEM fields. Participants divide the day by taking classes in the morning and practicing teaching in the afternoons.

Contact Us

Kathleen Kavanagh, Director
361A Science Center
Box 5815

Phone: 315-268-2376
Email: stem_ed@clarkson.edu