At PRISSEM, we feel that the solution to the "quiet crisis" requires a dedication to support students in their pursuit of STEM fields throughout their academic lives. PRISSEM will partner with any group seeking to increase the number of young scientists entering the STEM community. Further, we feel one of the best ways to serve the STEM community is to focus on the untapped resources of communities historically under-represented in these fields, and we are especially interested in programs serving those communities.
Learning is a life-long process, and PRISSEM has positioned itself to serve the needs of those interested in STEM at all stages of their academic careers, from K-12 through post-graduate studies. The primary goals of PRISSEM Academic Services, LLC are to: (click below to toggle more information on each topic)
- improve the academic performance of underrepresented students in the Hampton Roads area - Whether or not a student seeks to pursue a career in STEM, he or she will still require a strong background in science and mathematics to survive in today's technological world. Further, every person benefits from the critical thinking and problem solving skills developed in math and science classes. PRISSEM seeks oppurtunities to work directly with students to improve their math and science skills while encouraging them to further explore STEM.
- expose under-represented students to professionals and academics from a wide range of STEM fields - The racial disparities in K-12 education staffing are readily evident and well known. The lack of faces of color in positions of authority combined with the outside influences and perceptions of society at large can seriously damage the self-image of African American students and cause them to re-direct their energy away from success at school. PRISSEM seeks opportunities to expose all students to a wide range of STEM fields they may not have seen before, while connecting them with role models and mentors that can provide guidance throughout their academic careers.
- maintain students' interest in STEM topics - "By fourth grade, we squash [student's natural curiosity in science] with the way we teach science."* Further, the standards-based learning model currently employed in K-12 schools does not encourage students to seek a deeper understanding of science and mathematics. PRISSEM seeks to aid programs that foster and maintain the development of students' interests in STEM. [* quotation from Carlo Parravano, director of the Merck Institute for Science Education, ref: Keega n, Rebecca Winters. "Looking for a Lab-Coat Idol." Time 1 3 February, 2006: 26-27.]
- help improve the skills of K-12 mathematics and science teachers - Decreasing interest in STEM fields creates a vicious cycle, as students who have not been given the science and math resources they truly need re-enter the classroom as educators who are not able to relay the topic to students as effectively as possible. PRISSEM has an extensive background in in-service teacher training, and seeks to help school systems strengthen their teachers' skills in order to produce stronger students.
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connect students with real-world
research opportunities
- The ability to conduct research is an essential requirement for success in a STEM-related career.
Students with extensive experience conducting research are better prepared to pursue post-graduate studies and suceed in their intended career.
PRISSEM seeks oppurtunities to provide students at all levels of education with research experience, including mentorships for 6-12, internships for high school and undergraduate students, and technical research projects for graduate students.
Further, PRISSEM maintains research expertise and capability in aerospace engineering, high-energy particle physics, and medicine. Affiliations PRISSEM has in the academic and professional STEM communities may allow us to solve your technical- or research-related problems by connecting you with undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate researchers.