Reese News Lab launches STEM initiative with $50,000 grant
Reese News Lab, an experimental news and research project based out of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, launched STEMwire.org, a website designed to advance the conversation about the need for more science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers in America.
In April 2012, Carnegie Corporation of New York awarded Reese News Lab $50,000 to launch the one-year STEM education project. The project is part of the 100Kin10 initiative, a collaboration between more than 100 organizations dedicated to adding 10,000 new STEM teachers to American classrooms in the next decade.
“We’re excited about engaging with the public, educators and policy makers about the STEM movement,” said Alex Barinka, managing editor of the Reese News Lab.
To celebrate the launch, Reese News Lab hosted a #STEMwire Twitter party Oct. 3. The event aimed to inform and excite readers in an interactive online setting. Readers can follow @STEMwire to continue the conversation.
Throughout the year, Reese News Lab will distribute its content to 100Kin10 partners and other media organizations with the goal of increasing audience awareness, informing future coverage and driving change. It will focus on innovation and direct engagement to address an issue of national importance.
“Our students will explore a variety of STEM issues while examining ways to call visitors to action,” said John Clark, executive director of Reese News Lab.
About Reese News Lab:
Reese News Lab is a student-run news and research project based at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media. The lab was established in 2010 with a gift from UNC alumnus Reese Felts. Its mission is to create engaging content while pushing past the boundaries of traditional media and embracing the risks of experimentation. It aims to refine industry best practices by producing academically grounded insights for media professionals.
Reese News Lab and STEMwire contacts:
Alex Barinka, managing director, [email protected]
Keren Goldshlager, communication director, [email protected]