Connecting educators to industry
The Industry to Educators Externship program provides Northeast Indiana High School educators the opportunity to learn about STEM-related industries in the region.
The Educator Externship enables area high school teachers and counselors to learn first-hand about engineering careers. These Externships promote the sharing of real-world industry knowledge in the classroom and encourages students to pursue math and science related careers.
Working together, Graduate Retention, Talent Initiative and NIDIA (Northeast Indiana Defense Industry Association) are eager to attract the best and brightest young talent as future employees by promoting the development of STEM-related skills. This is an amazing opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look into the world of Raytheon, BAE, Northrop Grumman and ITT.
This groundbreaking experience equips teachers to provide a superior classroom experience with real-world problems and provide students with a solid education in math and science. It facilitates shared experiences between local educators, provides teachers with valuable industry connections for classroom speaking and career advising, and encourages collaboration between school administrators and local leadership.
Industry to Educators is designed to address the potential talent gap the region may see in coming years. If action is not taken, local businesses could face a severe shortage in local talent to fill their high-skill, high-wage positions.
The concept of an externship program was originated when Raytheon conducted a pilot program in 2007 with two high schools and three teachers. The concept has continued to grow each year since, and in 2010 expanded to include multiple defense companies collaborating on an externship program for the first time.
Participants receive a $500 stipend provided by The Talent Initiative.
Contact Jules Overby at joverby@fwchamber.org or 260-424-1435 ext. 262.