SAE Foundation to Host Detroit Leaders to Address STEM Crisis

Warrendale, PA – July 23, 2014

The SAE Foundation, along with support from General Motors and the GM Foundation, will bring together corporate and foundation leaders on Thursday, July 24 at TechTown Detroit from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. for an interactive discussion about providing effective, impactful STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programming to Detroit students.

The meeting will cover the urgency of the STEM crisis and how it is affecting Michigan and, in particular, Detroit as well as how SAE International’s full continuum of STEM programming can help address this issue.

“The GM Foundation believes that investing in the next generation of leaders and innovators is important to ensure the strength of our nation and grow our economy,” said Karen Nicklin, GM Foundation Manager of Educational Initiatives. “Through high-quality, effective STEM programs like AWIM, we’re able to help place students on a path to pursue high-demand jobs in fields such as engineering.”

In Detroit, only 4% of eighth graders score proficient in math, placing them well below the national average of 35%.

“In order to succeed in the society of tomorrow, all children need to understand and apply STEM concepts in a real-world integrated setting. Participating in STEM programs such as AWIM and F1 in Schools™ teaches them to solve complex problems, communicate clearly, raise questions, assimilate information and work cooperatively toward common goals,” said Lori Gatmaitan, Director, SAE Foundation. “Since 1991, we’ve reached nearly 60,000 Detroit students but the need is far greater than that. We need strong community partnerships and a concerted effort to continue making significant, lasting impact in Detroit.”

To learn more or to RSVP for this meeting, call 248-273-2472.

About the SAE Foundation

The SAE Foundation is the charitable arm of SAE International that strives to encourage and increase student participation and achievement in science, technology, engineering and math through educational programs, including A World In Motion® and the Collegiate Design Series™.  SAE International is a global association committed to being the ultimate knowledge source for the engineering profession. By uniting more than 145,000 engineers and technical experts, we drive knowledge and expertise across a broad spectrum of industries. We act on two priorities: encouraging a lifetime of learning for mobility engineering professionals and setting the standards for industry engineering.

About The GM Foundation

Since its inception in 1976, the GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to American charities, educational organizations and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on supporting Education, Health and Human Services, the Environment and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. Funding of the GM Foundation comes solely from GM. The last contribution to the GM Foundation was made in 2001. For more information, visit www.gm.com/gmfoundation.

About AWIM

SAE International’s A World In Motion® (AWIM) is a teacher-administered, industry volunteer-assisted program that brings science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to life in the classroom for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Benchmarked to the national standards, AWIM incorporates the laws of physics, motion, flight and electronics into age-appropriate hands on activities that reinforce classroom STEM curriculum. Learn more about SAE’s AWIM PreK-8 STEM curriculum.

About F1 in Schools

F1 in Schools™ engages students in a teacher-facilitated CAD/CAM technology-based design and manufacturing experience, challenging students to “Build the F1 Racer of the Future.”

Targeting youth from 11 to 18, its main objective is to inspire students to use IT to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding, graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership/teamwork, media skills, and financial strategy and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive, and exciting way. In the United States, the F1 in Schools™ Challenge is managed by SAE International.


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