Tying real-world, local opportunities to STEM learning is a great motivating force that we use in our work as well. The research into transforming STEM identity is always fascinating and I definitely look forward to following your program's research and growth. Our national association has similar goals, and if you ever find a need for an extra unit or have students interested in naval applications of the design processes in your courses, please reach out (fleet@navalengineers.org). We love what you are doing to support these students!

The goals and features of Project Desire will offer much to students--in particular, mentoring will be essential to provide support along the way, especially when students face challenges. Great partnerships and career exploration opportunities too! In my prior work, I found that it can be hard to recruit some middle school students into STEM programs (even ones that include exciting new opportunities like yours) because they don't see themselves as "good at" science or math.  I am guessing that these are the very students that you wish to attract--what strategies will you use to encourage them to take the elective courses, especially those who are the most hesitant?  Also, at this early stage, I am curious about what you hope to see early on, that would suggest students are shifting their thinking/feelings about STEM and/or themselves?  I know the actual measurement will come later as the project progresses.

Best wishes for this new and important project!

Hi, I'm curious:  How do the modules designed in collaboration with industry map onto the NGSS 3-D agenda for middle school?  For example, do they tend to focus on cross-cutting concepts, on practices, or on disciplinary core ideas?  

  And how are you defining "STEM Identity"?  I agree that MS is a strategic time to address this!

Thank you for what promises to be not only a challenging project, but one with great impact across North Carolina.  Having worked with the MSEN pre-college programs earlier in my career, it is good to see that it is still alive and well.  I am curious as to how many potential first-generation college students may be reached through this program, and what anticipated supports or hand-offs might be needed to see them be successful in college?  I am looking forward to more results from this program in the not-to-distant future.