The Aspirnaut K-20 STEM Pipeline
Designed to bring the support of a research university and STEM professionals to rural teachers, students, and school districts.
To tackle the educational disadvantages of rural students, the Aspirnaut K-20 STEM Pipeline was designed as an integrated set of STEM educational interventions from Vanderbilt University to rural schools. It is a synergistic set where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts and is intended to complement public schools’ activities. This program begins with a student in their elementary years and continue to support them into college and ultimately into a STEM profession.
1. Aspirnaut Wi-Fi and Media Screen Buses We provide rural students the opportunity to further their education and be exposed to STEM content while riding on long bus routes by equipping buses with technology including wireless Internet connection, laptop computers with online learning tools, and all in one LCD/PC media screens that allow all students on the bus to watch STEM content designed around their school's curriculum. |
 |
 |
2. Videoconferencing Weekly Science Labs
Through a collaboration with Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science (VSVS) which has over 16 years of experience in presenting science lessons to students in urban schools, Aspirnaut has expanded the program to beam real world science to rural students across thousands of miles through the use of videoconferencing. |
3. Accelerated/AP Online Courses with Dual Enrollment The Aspirnaut program provides online STEM courses through Aventa learning which offers students in grades 6-12 all the resources they need in order to excel including an online teacher with whom the student can communicate in many different ways. We are partnering with several universities within the student's state to provide dual enrollment in these STEM courses. |
 |
 |
4. Summer Research Internships
During the summer, high school and undergraduate students are offered the opportunity to work in a variety of research laboratories at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee or Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratories in Maine. This science bootcamp exposes students not only to world-class research but also to people and professionals that can help the student build a foundation for a successful STEM future. |
5. and 6. College Guidance and Mentorship To build an even stronger foundation in science and mathematics, Aspirnaut students, teachers, and parents will interact with admissions and financial aid counselors to help them understand the intricacies of college. Students and teachers will also interact with those working in STEM careers including university professors, science and math professionals in industry, retired teachers, and undergraduate/graduate students. These mentors can offer guidance both virtually and in person. |
 |
FACTOID | Did you know?
Thousands of professions exist that involve mathematics and science, such as physician, mathematician, teacher, engineer, biologist, pharmacist, physicist, ecologist, and dentist. The Aspirnaut Initiative serves as an additional source to expand the mathematic and scientific background of students by working in conjunction with the traditional path to a STEM career. Aspirnauts will participate in a differentiated program to acquire core skills for careers in mathematics and science and will be exposed to STEM professionals as a strategy to raise the ceiling for setting career goals and to motivate achievement in mathematics and science.