Obama Elementary Awarded STEM Grant

Barack Obama Elementary in Upper Marlboro is one of the schools recently named as a recipient of a $60,000 grant from the Maryland State Department of Education to pilot the Engineering in Elementary (EIE) program.

The EIE focuses on students in first and second grades.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to develop their science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills,” Verjeana M. Jacobs, Chair of the Prince George's County Board of Education, said. “We are helping to spark students’ interest in science at an early age and teaching them skills that can be used in the real world.”

The program helps peak the interest of students in the field of engineering at a young age. It is classroom-tested and integrates the subject into elementary science topics.

"Children are born explorers," said Godfrey Rangasammy, PGCPS Science Supervisor. "They engage and develop their own ideas of the physical, biological and social worlds."

Nine other schools also will also pilot the program:

• Berwyn Heights 
• Calverton (Beltsville)
• Carmody Hills (Capitol Heights)
• Carole Highlands (Takoma Park)
• Lamont (New Carrollton)
• Laurel 
• Rockledge (Bowie)
• Suitland
• Vansville (Beltsville)