Barb Termaat is the Executive Director of Newton's Road Northwest, a nonprofit dedicated to STEM-related learning for all youth in the five-county area in Northwest Michigan.
STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Newton's Road believes that STEM education is more than just a focus on these study areas--it integrates these subjects in ways that develop 21st-century skills through hands-on problem solving, creativity, inquiry skills, critical thinking and collaboration. STEM occupations are forecast to grow at a rate more than 76% higher than that of non-STEM jobs nationwide. And STEM jobs also produce significantly higher wages than non-STEM occupations.
Newton's Road has been serving Northwest Nichigan since 2010. Its specific programs include:
- STEM at Home
- STEM Finder
- Community Liasions
- Career Investigator
As its name suggests, STEM at Home involves quality Science and STEM kits available at local libraries with lessons that kids can do at home. STEM Finder offers quality learning experiences through STEM Hub available online through the Newton's Road website.
In terms of its Liaison Program Newton's Road works with librairies and nonprofits such as Cognition locally to encourage deeper STEM learning. Career Investigator offers an interactive platform for youth wishing to explore regional STEM-related careers.
Newton's Road believes that these programs empower our young people to thrive in our community and beyond. For more information check out the Newton's Road website and Barb's PowerPoint program.