Gateway to Technology and STEM

Gateway to Technology and other programs featuring STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) offer introductory STEM-related courses to middle school students with hands-on opportunities to explore the field of technology rooted in design and engineering concepts.

Middle school is a time of exploration, a time when students are figuring out what they’re passionate about today and how that relates to who they’ll become tomorrow, empowering them to lead their own discovery. Hands-on curriculum boosts classroom engagement and excitement, drives collaboration, and inspires “aha! moments” and deep comprehension. As students engage in activities in computer science, engineering, biosciences, and more, they see a range of paths and possibilities they can look forward to in high school and beyond.

With a smaller student to teacher ratio than traditional classrooms, these programs spark interest in technology. Working in pairs to develop collaborative skills and support innovative project management, projects foster learning to present ideas, design prototypes, and develop iterations of possible solutions in all courses. Students make independent decisions on projects based on prior failures by troubleshooting to turn problems into successes. Classes may be offered in various STEM areas, including robotics, design, engineering, basic forensics, aerospace, and circuitry.

Students may have the option to engage as members of the student organization Technology Student Association (TSA), which integrates professional leadership skills and competitions along with technology and engineering experience for teams and individually in challenging ways. Members learn and play with technologies when attending conferences with others their own age at local, state, and national competitions.

NOTE: Gateway programs are not available in all partner middle schools, though STEM curriculum may be offered by other names.