James Stith

"Place Based STEM Education" is Stith's innovative idea to build on the summer STEM program at his school. While most summer programs focus only on the remediation of content in a traditional classroom setting, the program at Stith's school is a novel concept because it focuses on an outdoor, place-based, experiential learning environment which gets students engaged. In the years since the program was designed and implemented, there have been drastic changes seen in the student's attitude and willingness to learn. The program expansion is to be able to provide necessary tools and camping items for students to participate. Before each camping journey, the instructors do an equipment check and always find that while some students come properly ready and geared up, many of the students and their families lack the means of affording even an inexpensive tent or sleeping bag when simply feeding their own family is an issue. Stith hopes that by providing a small inventory of camping necessities, students will be able to enjoy the experience of the program without the worry of getting the required equipment.