America On Tech Announces Major Collaboration with STEM Prep Schools to Advance STEM Learning for Students in Special Education

Today America On Tech (AOT) announces a new partnership with STEM Preparatory Schools (STEM Prep), a not-for-profit organization that operates public charter schools in Los Angeles, California. AOT is a not-for-profit organization that provides curriculum development, support and professional development to schools throughout the United States. Through the implementation of AOT's comprehensive curriculum, this strategic alliance will support 21st century learning for students with disabilities at STEM Prep in 9th and 11th grade through STEM learning labs. This work is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Charter Students with Disabilities Pilot Community Initiative. Ninety-one percent of the students served in this pilot community of 10 CMOs are Black or Latinx, and 83% live in low-income households. 

According to a report by the National Center for Learning Disabilities and Understood, 1 in 5 children in the U.S. have learning and attention issues and only 20% of students with disabilities nationally score at proficient levels on state assessments. Further, on average, fewer than 70% earn a high school diploma within four years.

The strategic alliance between AOT and STEM Prep will continue over the course of three years and will take AOT’s current digital media and web development curriculum and adapt it to the needs of students enrolled in STEM Prep’s special education program. The year-long digital media course will be adapted for 9th grade students and the year-long web development course will be adapted for 11th grade students. Each course will have a strong focus on targeting an increase in ELA and Math skills and will provide accommodations to ensure the success of student learning. 

“America On Tech is committed to ensuring that students from underrepresented backgrounds have a fair shot at competing for 21st century opportunities. This means that avenues must be created for students with special needs and we know that more can be done to leverage their unique talents and potential. We’re very excited about this partnership and cannot wait to work with STEM Prep and the Gates Foundation," said Jessica Santana and Evin Robinson, Co-founders of America On Tech.

“At STEM Prep Schools we believe it’s not just about getting a degree but rather does that degree open a pathway for what comes next for these graduates. We will fall short of making the economic and social changes necessary to disrupt the current status quo, a system that locks poor students of color out of the job sector, if we do not make a conscious effort to expose minority students to STEM early on. STEM is the fastest-growing job sector, offers some of the highest pay, and desperately needs diversity,” said Dr. Emilio Pack, CEO of STEM Prep Schools.

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​Call to Action: AOT and STEM Prep are currently looking for a consultant to help with the adaptation of both curriculum's this fall.  If you are interested or know someone with the skills, motivation and passion to ensure that students who learn differently have access to strong STEM learning curriculum, have them apply here:
https://www.americaontech.org/spedconsultantrfp.html 

About America On Tech

America On Tech (AOT) is an award-winning nonprofit organization on a mission to prepare the next generation of technology leaders by creating pathways into degrees and careers in technology.  AOT's work has received national media attention in Forbes, CNN, TechCrunch and other publications for its resounding success in developing diverse tech talent pipelines. 
Learn more: https://americaontech.org

About STEM Preparatory Schools 
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The mission of STEM Prep Schools is to operate a small network of high performing schools, in a targeted area of Los Angele and develop TK – 12th grade scholars into successful college graduates and professionals, through equal access and inspiration, rigorous curriculum, and a commitment to their  core Values.
Learn more: http://www.stem-prep.org/