STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education is a hot topic and undoubtedly vital to the future educational and economic goals of Tennessee. By providing students with rigorous classroom experiences driven by high standards and a focus on critical thinking and problem solving, STEM schools are focused on equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to prepare them for the jobs of the future.

Few schools are more rigorously focused on exceptional STEM education than L&N STEM Academy, part of Knox County Schools. Josh Witt, a junior at L&N, was recently awarded a $250 college scholarship for his video on how L&N STEM is innovating to prepare students for college and career.

Witt’s video highlights the strength of a STEM education and how it encourages students to think critically and prepares them for the problem-solving careers of the future. Alec Bissell, an L&N sophomore featured in Witt’s video, said, “STEM gives you room to innovate and make what you have better, because we have to change with the times.”

L&N’s focus on rigorous STEM education is a great example of schools investing in technology to enhance instruction and maintaining a commitment to rigorous standards, two of the top priorities for education in Tennessee for the coming year that were identified by the 2013-14 State of Education in Tennessee report.