Raimondo Proclaims March as 'STEAM Month' in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI- Governor Gina M. Raimondo today issued a proclamation declaring March as 'STEAM Month' in Rhode Island. Under the Governor's leadership, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) drive Rhode Island's economy and are critical to preparing every student for jobs of tomorrow.

STEAM Month highlights the work Rhode Island is currently doing to support STEAM education and economic development. Thanks to Governor Raimondo, Rhode Island has launched:

• CS4RI, which made Rhode Island the first state in the nation to offer computer science in every public school;

• PrepareRI, which offers advanced coursework and paid internships in STEAM fields to high school students, including the PrepareRI Youth Apprenticeship Program;

• Middle School Career Exploration Grants, which allow middle school students to explore STEAM curriculum;

• Wavemaker Fellowship, which provides loan forgiveness to recent college graduates in STEAM fields; and

• P-TECH, which allows students to get hands-on job training in high-growth fields, such as STEAM, and graduate with a high school diploma and an associate's degree.

This week, members of the Governor's Cabinet will embark on a series of visits that tout Rhode Island's educational programs, work-based learning opportunities, and workforce development efforts that will support STEAM's continued growth.

The schedule of public events is as follows:

TUESDAY, MARCH 5

Who: Ken Wagner, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education

What: Classroom discussion with Cybersecurity P-TECH students from Newport Area Career and Technical Center

When: 8:30 a.m.

Where: Community College of Rhode Island

Newport Campus, Room 213

1 John H. Chafee Boulevard, Newport, RI

Who: Scott Jensen, Director, Department of Labor and Training

What: Visit with Woonsocket Youth Center students participating in a Real Jobs Rhode Island training program through the RI Marine Trades Association

When: 4:00 p.m.

Where: Herreshoff Marine Museum

1 Burnside Street, Bristol

Who: Stefan Pryor, Commerce Secretary

What: Meeting with Wavemaker fellows

When: 6:00 p.m.

Where: Apponaug Brewing Company

334 Knight Street, Warwick, RI

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

Who: Brenda Dann-Messier, Commissioner of Postsecondary Education

What: Classroom discussion with URI College of Engineering Capstone students. The Commissioner will be joined by Dr. Raymond Wright, URI Dean of Engineering

When: 12:00 p.m.

Where: Schneider Electric

132 Fairgrounds Road, West Kingston

Throughout the month, follow along with STEAM events, resources, and information on social media, using the hashtag, #RISTEAM.

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