COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 272

October 31, 2008

INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

 

FROM:

Patricia I. Wright

Superintendent of Public Instruction

 

SUBJECT:

Department of Energy's Real World Design Challenge

 

On Friday, October 24, Governor Timothy Kaine announced Virginia's participation in the U.S. Department of Energy's Real World Design Challenge. The Real World Design Challenge is an innovative example of how government, private industry, and our educational system can work together to prepare students to meet the challenge of competing in the global work force. The Real World Design Challenge aligns secondary education with 21st Century work force needs through the support of mentors from national laboratories, higher education and the engineering community.

 

The goals of the Challenge are (1) to inspire and engage students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, and (2) to systematically highlight potential future workers in science and engineering fields.

 

Virginia's participation in this program provides a means for collaboration between school divisions and the private sector, presents opportunities that integrate rigorous instruction in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The Real World Design Challenge offers an exciting way for students to acquire STEM literacy and other critical knowledge and skills that will prepare them for high-demand, high-wage and high-skill careers in Virginia.

 

Additional information about the Real World Design Challenge, including a time line of key events and deadlines, may be found at http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/RWDC/index.html.

 

For assistance regarding the Real World Design Challenge, please contact Mr. George R. Willcox, career cluster coordinator, Office of Career and Technical Education Services, at George.Willcox@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 225-2839; or Dr. Lynn Basham, technology education program specialist, at Lynn.Basham@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 786-4210.

  

PIW/EMR/ahr