Mobile STEM Truck Closes Education Gap
As you already know, America’s standing as a leader in the global economy is endangered by the lack of American students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
STEM fields are seeing the highest rates in job growth, yet not many students are going in this direction. According to the U.S. Department of Education, only 16 percent of American high school students are proficient in math and have interest in pursuing a STEM career. “The United States is falling behind internationally, ranking 25th in mathematics and 17th in science among industrialized nations.” AP computer science is only taught in five percent of American high schools.
One of the main problems here is the lack of resources in public schools, such as trained STEM teachers and equipment like computers to instruct students. Also, 63 percent of K-12 schools still lack adequate Internet connectivity and infrastructure.
I happened upon this story about this innovative idea that might be a partial solution to the STEM education gap. Aditya Kumarakrishnan, a physics and math major at Queens College, was awarded $10,000 from an incubator contest to assist him with launching his idea for Tesla Truck, a hands-on, mobile STEM lab and mobile maker space that will bring courses like robot-building, flight design, 3D printing and vocational training to schools and local communities.
He came up with the idea for his business last year while he was mentoring a group of students from the Bronx on robotics when he realized they didn’t have any resources. Kumarakrishnan had to buy his own tools to use for his instruction. He believes the Truck will be useful and cost efficient for schools that lack the resources to teach such classes. Kumarakrishnan plans to use the money to purchase his first truck.
This is a great idea, and I would love to see where Kumarakrishnan goes with his truck both in physical distance and in creativity in the near future!
Here’s a short commercial for Tesla Truck: