STEM Departments in Education:

Advancing 21st Century Learning

STEM departments are at the core of preparing students for the future.

Combining Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, these departments provide interdisciplinary learning that supports critical thinking, innovation, and real-world problem solving.

Whether in K-12 schools or higher education institutions, a well-structured STEM department creates equitable opportunities for all students to thrive in the modern workforce and society.

In this page, you can find:

→ Three Key Benefits

→ Success Stories

→ Grant Opportunities

→ Meet the Account Manager

Why Implement STEM?

Three Key Benefits of STEM Departments in Education

A strong STEM department fosters cross-curricular collaboration, industry-relevant skills, and inclusive educational practices that benefit all students.

Below are three primary reasons to invest in and enhance STEM departments:

Main Reasons to Implement STEM:

Preparing Students for Future Careers

What we know:

  • STEM occupations are projected to grow twice as fast as non-STEM occupations through 2031 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • A robust STEM department equips students with essential 21st-century skills -- such as coding, data analysis, and engineering design.
  • According to the U.S. Department of Education, early exposure to STEM increases the likelihood of students pursuing STEM careers.

Driving Innovation and Interdisciplinary Learning

What we know:

  • STEM departments encourage collaboration across disciplines, merging creativity with technical skills.
  • Project-based learning and real-world challenges help students apply concepts across math, science, and technology.
  • A study published by the International Journal of STEM Education shows that interdisciplinary STEM teaching improves student engagement and learning outcomes.

Fostering Equity and Access in Education

What we know:

  • Strong STEM departments help close opportunity gaps by ensuring all students, regardless of background, have access to advanced learning.
  • Inclusive STEM practices support underserved student populations, including girls, students of color, and English language learners.
  • The National Science Foundation emphasizes equity as a cornerstone of effective STEM education programs.
Success Stories

STEM Departments

Strawbees has collaborated with schools to introduce hands-on, project-based learning in computer science classrooms. Through robotics, coding challenges, and interactive design, students develop computational skills in engaging and innovative ways.

By using Strawbees tools in coding challenges and computational thinking exercises, schools have transformed traditional computer science courses into interactive learning experiences.

Topeka Public Schools

The dynamic nature of STEM education creates additional challenges for computer science departments. Constant advancements in computer science mean teachers need to stay flexible.

Jess Blouvan, Tech Specialist at Topeka Public Schools, implemented Strawbees with micro:bit across multiple grade levels to consistently engage students, filling the critical gaps in STEAM education.

Read the Case study
Topeka Public Schools Case Study

What Teachers Say

Here’s what educators and teachers are saying about their experiences:

“Strawbees is one of those things that, because of it's flexibility and the price point, it's already an all-in-one package.”
Jess Blouvan - Tech Specialist Topeka Public Schools
Jess Blouvan

Tech Specialist at Topeka Public Schools

“I highly recommend Strawbees for anyone looking to get their hands into some physical engineering fun and creative exploration.”
Christopher Brown
Christopher Brown

Media Center Teacher at UTICA Community Schools

"This year, we have kids starting to code as early as kindergarten with Strawbees!"
Anna Fitzsimmons
Anna Fitzsimmons

Coordinator of Digital Learning for Belton ISD

Richmond County Schools

After seeing Strawbees at a conference and being blown away, Chaundra has integrated Strawbees into 28 elementary schools, eight middle schools and several magnet schools across Richmond County School District and felt that Strawbees easily outshone the competition.

“This isn’t some heavy situation that you have to transport from place to place. I think the pricing is amazing.”

Read the Case Study
Richmond County Schools Case Study
Grant opportunities

STEM Departments

Finding funding for STEM and STEAM education can be challenging, but there are a range of grants and funding sources to support hands-on learning initiatives for STEM departments.

State-Level STEM Funding

Many states provide targeted STEM funding for department-level initiatives, including lab upgrades, teacher training, and curriculum development.

Useful directories include:

National STEM Grants for Schools and Districts

Federal and nonprofit organizations fund initiatives to strengthen STEM departments nationwide through research-backed programs and equipment.

Some key resources:

How We Can Help with Grant Applications

If you're looking for funding to bring hands-on STEAM learning to your students, we do have a grant writing webinar you can watch to help support you.

Learn more →

Strawbees in STEM Departments

Next Steps

A strong STEM department is a foundation for student success in a rapidly changing world.

With the right tools, training, and curriculum, educators can prepare students for college, careers, and civic life through innovative, inclusive, and engaging STEM learning.

At Strawbees, we offer flexible, hands-on tools that align with STEM standards and empower departments to deliver high-impact instruction. Let’s build your STEM department together.

Beniamin Bundo
Beniamin Bundo
Partnership Developer
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