Three schools in the Chattanooga region are among 11 statewide to receive a Tennessee STEM School Designation, according to state Department of Education officials.
Two schools in Bradley County, Charleston Elementary School and Park View Elementary, are on the list, and in Coffee County, Hickerson Elementary School got the designation, state officials said.
The announcement came from Tennessee Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn in a statement issued Wednesday listing the 11 schools that have received the Tennessee STEM School Designation, bringing the total number of STEM designated schools to 26.
This designation, developed in collaboration with the STEM Leadership Council and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, is designed to recognize schools that promote and implement rigorous STEM-related learning opportunities for all students that lead to postsecondary achievement and high-quality careers, officials state in the release.
"Governor Lee set a bold vision to triple the amount of STEM designated schools in the state of Tennessee during his first term, and with this announcement we are well on our way to meeting that goal," Schwinn said. "Careers in STEM fields, particularly information technology, engineering and advanced manufacturing, and healthcare are among the fastest growing in Tennessee and we owe it to our students to prepare them for the jobs of the future."
Officials said the designated schools are providing students with the knowledge and skills to be successful in high-demand STEM careers.