According to EdWeek, STEM jobs are predicted to grow at a faster rate between 2014 and 2024 than jobs overall. With these stats, districts need STEM curricula that unlock important 21st century skills and open doors to a world of possibilities for their students. Engineering provides opportunities for schools and districts to do just that.

With sixty-five percent of scientists and graduate students surveyed reporting their interest in science began before middle school (it always existed or began in elementary school), it’s becoming more and more crucial to start engineering instruction early. Schools need to get kids into the engineering pipeline when they’re young, before it becomes an afterthought.

Over the past three years, a partnership between EiE and MathWorks, the Natick-based software company, has helped teachers across Massachusetts gain the confidence and skills they need to implement integrated STEM. We’re thrilled that MathWorks sees the importance of showing young learners that anyone can solve problems and be an engineer, and that the company continues to support initiatives that fund professional development experiences and materials that will help educators create a generation of problem solvers for years to come.

Children are natural engineers — and encouraging their skills early is essential. It might seem intimidating, but engineering is simply using math and science — and creativity — to build technology that solves problems. Engineering gives very young kids that confidence they need to believe they can make a difference. How can parents engage their kids in engineering? What does age-appropriate engineering look like? EiE and Bright Horizons are partnering together to host a parent-friendly webinar, Engineering in Early Education, to answer those questions and more!

Looking for more EiE units for your end of school learning or summer programs? Thanks to generous support from the Overdeck Family Foundation, select Engineering Adventures and Engineering Everywhere units will receive a 3X donation match on DonorsChoose.org for a limited time. Read on to learn more about this exciting offer, and to find out which units are eligible!

The EiE team is hitting the road to attend the NSTA (National Science Teachers Association) National Conference in St. Louis from April 11-14! We’ll have fun, hands-on activities at our booth, two engaging sessions to immerse attendees in engineering challenges, an exciting PD giveaway, and plenty of chances to meet with members of the EiE team. Will you be attending the conference this year? Read on to learn more about our schedule and be sure to stop by booth #1739 and say hello!