June 10, 2020

Baltimore Federal Delegation Members Announce More Than $2.3 Million for STEM Education

Today, members of Baltimore’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John P. Sarbanes, and Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.), announced $2,360,998 in federal funding for Johns Hopkins University’s (JHU) Baltimore Online Algebra for High School Students in Technology program.

The program partners JHU with Baltimore City Public Schools to help 9th- and 10th-grade students strengthen their algebra skills. Research shows algebra is a major barrier to student enrollment and participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and careers.

“We must break down the structural barriers in our education system that deny underserved communities – and especially communities of color – access to STEM careers,” the lawmakers said. “Our workforce must reflect the diversity of talent in our communities. We are proud to see Johns Hopkins and Baltimore City rising to meet this challenge with a unique partnership to promote STEM education. We will continue working together as a delegation to ensure that our schools provide equal opportunity to each and every student.”

The program will aim to broaden participation by providing off-hour educator availability and relaxing enrollment criteria. Two hundred Baltimore City Public Schools students will participate over three years. JHU researchers will investigate how participation in the program affects student outcomes. 

The award comes from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program, which funds projects focused on increasing students’ knowledge and interest in STEM information and communication technology (ICT) careers.