In a monumental step toward educational equity and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) advancement, Edgewood ISD of San Antonio is one of three local school districts to be selected to participate in a pioneering biomedical engineering program to train the next generation of leaders.
The Biomedical Engineering Superheroes program will teach 5th grade students and educators, through a partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio. Professors at UTSA received a $1.35 Million grant through the NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) for this program.
The selection of Edgewood ISD for this program highlights a growing need to provide quality STEM education in underserved areas. Research has shown that early exposure to STEM subjects can significantly influence students' future academic and career choices, making this program a critical step in bridging the educational gap.
“The earlier we can provide students with experiential learning opportunities the better,” says Phillip Chavez, Deputy Superintendent of Edgewood ISD. “Prior to entering the middle school grades, students can have their sights set on completing the course work aligned to their dreams. Now the Biomedical Engineering field can be part of their dreams.”
The program curriculum combines health science, engineering design, data science, reading and critical thinking. The goal is for students to gain awareness and prepare for careers related to four prevalent health conditions: obesity, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. It conforms to new Texas elementary science standards.
“This alignment provides an opportunity to design a rigorous and engaging curriculum that allows students to participate in scientific practices, such as making observations, collecting and analyzing data, sharing knowledge, and engineering design,” says Dr. Cynthia Lima, UTSA Assistant Professor of STEM Education.
Teachers and their classes selected for the program will work with undergraduate and graduate students at UTSA and learn from biomedical teaching staff who are some of the tops in their respective fields.
“They will have the chance to work in biomedical laboratories and see first-hand how the scientific method helps to improve current technologies and save lives,” says Chavez.
The Biomedical Engineering Superheroes program is a multi-year partnership between EISD and UTSA. The program will be broken down into different sessions and will include a public health community fair, with the aim of creating a lasting impact on the participating students and the broader community.
“This funding will enable us to deliver culturally relevant STEM engagement activities through an out-of-school program fostering collaboration between faculty from UTSA’s College of Engineering and College of Education, with the support of three San Antonio school districts,” says Dr. Araceli Martinez Ortiz, the Microsoft President’s Endowed Professor of Engineering Education at UTSA. “We aim to motivate and prepare a future biomedical engineering workforce while raising awareness about these critical health issues in our community.”
As of August 12, 2024 EISD is in the process of choosing the campuses and teachers who will take part in the Biomedical Engineering Superheroes program.