Area educational institutions, businesses, and community and governmental agencies are partnering to create a school focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for the Dayton area. The Dayton Regional STEM School (DRSS), opening with the 2009-2010 academic year, will be for students residing in Clark, Greene, and Montgomery counties.

 

"Starting a school is a massive effort," says Gregory R. Bernhardt, dean of the College of Education and Human Services at Wright State University. "We've assembled a group of partners who are actively working to decide the details of how DRSS will operate. The school will initially start with only ninth grade, and will add two additional levels every year until grades six through twelve are all in session."

 

Each grade will have about 80 students, and the entire school enrollment will not exceed 600. Student eligibility will be based on interest and commitment; selection will not be based on academic achievement. To be considered, a student must be in good academic standing. If too many students qualify, decisions will be made by lottery.

 

The school will be governed by a board of up to 15 representatives of partnering organizations (see current list of partnering organizations at the right of this page). The school will be located on or near the Wright State campus.

 

Initial funding for the school is being provided through a competitive state grant of $600k, which is earmarked for planning purposes. State and local leaders enthusiastically embraced the Dayton STEM school proposal because of its potential to prepare area youth for challenging and creative employment opportunities. Economic forecasts for the Miami Valley predict strong growth in jobs requiring technical literacy.

 

Area business and educational entities have pledged to support the school with funds or in-kind donations. Additional funding will be sought from local and national organizations beginning within the next year.