Virginia Beach City Public Schools was awarded two Military-Connected Academic Support Program grants, MCASP and Operation PRIDE, through the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). These grants were awarded to help VBCPS implement programs that support military-connected students and enhance their opportunities for STEM-related activities. MCASP and Operation PRIDE are focused on implementing sustainable programs in 13 schools throughout the school division with a high population of military-connected students.
The STEM Education Alliance provides professional development and interactive workshops for faculty at the 13 schools supported by these grants. In addition, the SEA conducts summer STEM academies and some weekend STEM-a-Thons for teachers and students. The work of the SEA is done for the purpose of increasing students’ excitement, awareness, and preparedness for STEM-related careers. With a focus on math, the SEA also aims to help teachers use an inquiry-based approach to teaching, which will ultimately lead to a greater understanding for the students.
