TO: Mayor Thomas J. Weisner
FROM: Brian W. Caputo, Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer
DATE: August 5, 2013
SUBJECT: title
A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement with Aurora University for a Grant to Support the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School
body
PURPOSE:
To obtain the approval of the City Council of a proposed resolution that would authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Aurora University for a Grant to Support the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School.
BACKGROUND:
Strength in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) helped the United States to become a global economic power. However, because of a decline in the number of students and teachers with a high proficiency in STEM fields, the country's position as global economic leader has been eroding. Today, the United States ranks 25th in mathematics and 17th in science proficiency among industrialized countries. Minorities and lower-income individuals are particularly underrepresented in STEM fields.
In an effort to reverse the trend of United States slippage in STEM fields, the federal government has placed special emphasis on expanding STEM education. The initiative includes reinvigorating STEM education at the K-12, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Additionally, supplemental after-school/out-of-classroom activities to enhance STEM proficiency are being pursued.
DISCUSSION:
For several months, community leaders have been discussing the prospect of establishing a STEM-related school in Aurora. These discussions have included elected state and local government officials, local school district administrators and educators, Aurora University administrators and educators, and representatives of the Dunham Fund. All concerned recognized the importance of establishing an Aurora-based STEM program. Aurora University has agreed to provide a "home base" for the John C. Dunham STEM Partnership School. The school will 1) ignite the...
Click here for full text