Innovative uses of available Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) infrastructures to improve motivation and retention of urban middle and high school students

This presentation focuses around the nation's K-12 STEM initiative, concerns about our student's performance in math, science, and reading, and the "Quiet Crisis" that impacts American competitiveness and innovation. In reviewing these issues, identification of resources, planning methods, and program interventions are introduced. A presentation of Innovative Infrastructure Use "cases studies" in higher education and state agencies are provided. Middle and high school student concerns about Motivation and Retention are discussed from their perspective. The role of the Center for Urban Youth and Technology (CUYT) has a design engine of culture-base STEM models is presented and their Institute for Nanoscale Technology and Youth (INTY) is discussed. The collaboration between CUYT and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering is reviewed. We make the case for collaboration, the use of existing in STEM infrastructures, and the important role the these interactions have on students motivation and retention issues.