More than 60% of students today will work in a career that does not currently exist, according to Willis Towers Watson. Graduates with skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) will especially be sought after to fill these roles, which is why many school districts around the country have responded by making STEM programs a major focus. Minnesota School District 196, which includes Apple Valley High School (AVHS), is a shining example of STEM learning at its finest.
Inspiring students
From kindergarten through senior year, District 196 students are immersed in STEM learning in ways that are dynamic, interactive and engaging. Ergotron has long supported flexible learning environments through specialized classroom sit-stand desks, computer charging and storage stations and mobile carts, which are especially useful in dynamic STEM schools where flexible learning spaces dominate.
Ergotron has a special relationship with AVHS, which includes involvement on the school’s STEM Advisory Board for the past five years. Ergotron’s General Manager for Office, Cathi Vergin, serves on the board and inspires students curious about STEM careers during an annual career day at Ergotron that she organizes.
“Cathi and many others at Ergotron have shown our students that STEM careers are interesting and rewarding,” comments Jim Lynch, AVHS E3 STEM Program Manager during a tour of the school.
Movement across the whole campus
Ergotron charging carts, sit-stand desks and mobile desks are used within the Fabrication Laboratory, where students combine their STEM knowledge with creative and fun projects that truly make learning come alive, along with the computer lab and music production lab. Several LearnFit® mobile desks are also used in the library.
“That desk is a work-horse for us,” Jim says. “We all like that it looks professional and high tech. Our principal even wheeled one on stage for a STEM presentation, which just added to the feeling of smart technology and creating spaces where students can prepare for the future. Ergotron really fits here as we’re developing into a STEM magnet school.”
Check out the YES24 and YES36 Adjusta™ Charging Carts and accessories designed for STEM programs!
