Date: Sep 11, 2015 Author: Isaac Sancken Source: Chicago Tribune (
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Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) has announced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded The Learning Partnership from Western Springs a nearly $600 thousand grant towards an ongoing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education program with Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
The Learning Partnership is a small business that focuses on bringing together STEM researchers, teachers, and students to improve the quality of STEM education. They are involved in a variety of curriculum development and professional development projects. Their new NSF award is a continuation of a partnership with CPS, Loyola, DePaul, and UIC to help CPS reach the point of having all of their high schools offer computer science. This particular grant will examine the extent to which the introductory course that CPS is deploying will increase the likelihood that students will pursue further computer science coursework in high school.
"As a former teacher, one of only a dozen engineers in Congress, and co-chair of the House STEM Ed Caucus, I continue to be a strong advocate for improving STEM education at all levels," said Rep. Lipinski. "I believe it is among the most important steps we can take to ensure that America remains the most technologically innovative country in the world and our young people receive an education that will allow them to succeed in the jobs of today and tomorrow. I applaud The Learning Partnership for their work in this field and for being yet another small business success story in the Third Congressional District."
On the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Congressman Lipinski is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Research and Technology, and also sits on the Subcommittee on Energy.
When he was chairman of the Research Subcommittee, Lipinski wrote the bill reauthorizing the National Science Foundation (NSF). He was also a member of the House-Senate Conference Committee that completed work on the America COMPETES Act, a response to a National Academies report warning that America must take action if it wants to maintain its place as the world's scientific and technological leader.
