Windber Schools Prep Students For Science, Math-Based Careers

Officials with the U.S. Department of Labor projects that 15 of the 20 fastest-growing occupations will require substantial math and science training. For that reason, the Windber Area School District is launching a districtwide program this school year designed to prepare their students.

The program will instruct students in the specific areas of science, technology, engineering and math. The STEM initiative will try to integrate the four subjects rather than simply teach them.

"The kids here aren't just learning how to make a product. They're learning how to solve a problem that will be presented to them. And they'll have to use their resources that have been made available and the school has provided for us … which will obviously benefit them down the road," said Dave Dzurko, a technical and engineering teacher in the district.

District official said they believe the STEM program is the only preschool through grade 12 initiative in the region.