Coahoma Community College News May 27, 2014 CCC Announces Summer STEM Academy Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics-STEM, and therefore, STEM education-are vital to our future-the future of our country, the future of our region and the future of our children. Recognizing the importance of these focus areas, Coahoma Community College is announcing plans to hold its first-ever STEM Summer Academy the week of June 15-20. Students interested in participating in this unique learning experience should complete an application before May 30. Applications can be found online here: www.coahomacc.edu/stemapplication<http://www.coahomacc.edu/stemapplication.pdf> The Academy will be open to students rising into the 8th, 9th and 10th grades next year in Coahoma, Bolivar, Quitman, Tunica and Tallahatchie counties. Applications will be accepted on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Why is STEM education important? According to the website "Rethink Mississippi", A recent study revealed that United States pre-college students lag well behind students in other countries on international tests in mathematics and science. To further magnify this problem, a report published by the Congressional Joint Economic Committee in 2012 found that the supply of STEM talent is not keeping up with the demand. With each passing year our country and especially our state, has fewer and fewer students pursuing STEM degrees. We need to improve STEM education at the K-12 level in order to create a pipeline of STEM-ready postsecondary students. Mississippi must provide more classes and lab opportunities for all of its students in the areas of mathematics and science. How can STEM education benefit your child? According to Forbes.com, Recent grads with a bachelor's degree and less than three years' experience in the workforce typically earn $39,700 a year-but that number can more than double for those in positions in science, technology, engineering, and math. In addition to the STEM curriculum, the program will also feature special guest speaker Marc Fomby in a return appearance at Coahoma. Fomby is the, CEO and founder of FTC Prevention Services, LLC. Fomby specializes in youth development and trainings that directly affect issues concerning today's youths. His experience spans nearly two decades including a background in law enforcement, and program development as a prevention services coordinator. In early April, he came to educate the Coahoma faculty and staff about suicide prevention and mental illness in students. His presentation was so well received; his presence was again requested to speak to students attending the STEM Academy in June. "Suicide is increasingly affecting young people at a rate like never before," said Fomby during his presentation in April. "Identifying students that have a need can open the gateway to discussion-that may be the medication that they need." The week-long program promises to be packed with educational experiences, and a fun learning environment that is sure to keep the students entertained. "Dr. (Valmadge Towner CCC President) wanted to put on this camp to expose students in our area to learning opportunities in STEM-related disciplines," said MSEP Director of Federal Programs Letha Richards. "This camp will combine both the suicide prevention and awareness seminar as well as the STEM-related activities. Students are just going to have fun learning!" SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2014meeting-form.html for the October 26-28, 2014 HBCU Library Alliance 6th Membership Meeting in Atlanta GA!