The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction announced today that six schools and an entire school district were awarded $19,000 in grants and will serve as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) mentors to other schools in the state.
Known as “Lighthouse” schools, the seven entities will promote and develop STEM education, including technical assistance and advice for other elementary, middle and high schools that are creating their own STEM environments.
STEM Lighthouse schools originated in 2010 with the Legislature’s passage of state Rep. Tina Orwall’s House Bill 2621, directing OSPI to designate as many as three middle and three high schools each year as lighthouse schools. The schools must be examples of:
- Small, highly personalized learning communities.
- An interdisciplinary curriculum with a strong focus on STEM, delivered through a project-based instructional approach.
- Active partnerships with businesses and the community to connect learning beyond the classroom.
The Des Moines Democrat, who is serving in the House Education Committee this year, said that her measure, which went into effect almost two years ago, is working to advance excellence and innovation in STEM education. Orwall explained that Washington ranks fourth in the nation in technology-based businesses, but 46th in participation in science and engineering graduate degree programs. 
“This is the disparity we are fixing with STEM instruction. Those large employers are scrambling to find the high-skilled workers they need and, if our state can’t provide them, they are importing them from elsewhere in the country and the world. These are Washington companies and their good-paying jobs should go to Washington workers,” Orwall added.
One of the original lighthouse schools recognized for its excellence in STEM education was Aviation High School, which is in Orwall’s district.
In the 22 months since the law went into effect, 24,000 students and 800 teachers have participated in 58 STEM programs across Washington.
This year’s winners are:
- Delta High School (Kennewick)
- Bremerton High School (Bremerton)
- Stevens Elementary School (Aberdeen)
- West Valley Junior High School (West Valley Yakima)
- West Hills STEM Academy (Bremerton)
- San Juan School District
- WF West High School (Chehalis)
For more information, visit the Washington STEM website.