Funding from 3M Keeps the Wheels Turning for Career Tech STEM Initiatives

3M has awarded a grant to Decatur City Schools Foundation that will provide resources

for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education focused on

career-­ and college-­readiness for more than 500, 6th­–12th-grade students.

The Foundation is committed to working with Decatur City Schools to ensure that students graduate ready to enter the workforce or continue their education. In August, Decatur City Schools combined the Career Technical Education (CTE) efforts of Austin and Decatur High Schools at one center on a portion of the campus previously occupied by Austin High. The center is known as The Career Academies of Decatur. The center provides students the opportunity to explore the type of career or secondary education that they may want to pursue through the use of CTE pathways. STEM career pathways, such as Engineering and Machine Tool Technology, are popular with area students.

Introducing students to a variety of career pathways beginning in 6th grade is one way Decatur is working to meet the goal of graduating all students career- and college-ready. However, these programs would be impossible to offer without the help of generous donors like 3M.

Career Academies of Decatur teacher Matt Gatlin shows

3M Site Manager Michelle Howell materials and tools he

uses to teach Career Tech Education courses.

Modern, industry-standard equipment for classes like Precision Manufacturing is essential to truly prepare students for the workforce. Even installing tools like a 3D Laser Cutter can be too expensive to accommodate the normal budget of the school. Through the partnership between the Foundation and the school system, we are able to offer programs and education above and beyond the standard curriculum. 

Career Academies of Decatur Engineering students
show Howell the Greenpower race car they are
building for the GreenpowerUSA Competition.

The 3M grant of $15,000 supports a variety of STEM initiatives at the middle schools, Austin Junior High, and the Career Academies of Decatur increasing opportunities for student involvement, including the Decatur Austin Robotics Coalition (DARC), the Greenpower Engineering Program, and the new Cyber Security Program.

Students will design and build robots and racecars, learn to code and prevent cyber attacks, and make CAD drawings into manufactured goods that they can hold in their hands. They will be prepared and excited to continue their education and become the next engineers, machinists, and programmers that find jobs in our community.

The Greenpower project is focused on designing and
building a single seat electric race car.
Students share their progress with Howell.