James A. Garfield Elementary has strategically aligned its STEM initiatives with community and industry needs, focusing on hands-on, real-world applications and problem-solving. Feedback emphasized the importance of connecting STEM experiences to practical applications, such as engineering challenges reflective of STEM-related fields, while expanding STEM speaker panels and career awareness opportunities. Partnerships continue to play a vital role in exposing students to diverse STEM careers, and the school remains committed to fostering these connections for a broader, more impactful understanding of STEM fields.

The STEM Spotlight event successfully ignited student interest in STEM careers, particularly as professionals shared their diverse pathways into the field. Teachers recommended incorporating more interactive and tangible career-related activities, enabling students to experience STEM professions firsthand. Community partners praised the event's success, noting its effectiveness in sparking curiosity among young learners about various STEM opportunities. During Junior Achievement’s collaboration, student ambassadors from the Student STEM Committee represented each classroom, and all lessons integrated STEM, literacy, and employability skills.

The integration of STEM concepts into the CKLA curriculum also demonstrated increased student engagement and comprehension. Using nonfiction STEM texts, CKLA promotes literacy while reinforcing scientific concepts. Teachers aim to expand this integration with STEM-based writing assignments and real-world problem-solving tasks to deepen students' critical thinking and creativity.

STEM career exploration has proven to be a strong motivator, linking classroom learning to real-world applications. Community partners suggested including more examples of professionals applying STEM knowledge in various industries to help students form deeper connections.

Valuable feedback from community partners highlighted the successes of initiatives like STEM Career Day, STEM Spotlight, and the integration of STEM into CKLA. Suggestions for improvement included offering more interactive, hands-on experiences, increasing diversity among speakers, and expanding mentorship opportunities. These insights will guide the ongoing development of Garfield’s STEM programs, ensuring they continue to effectively engage students and provide meaningful, career-connected learning experiences.

Career exploration is a crucial element of STEM education, helping students connect their learning to real-world applications and fostering a sense of purpose. At James A. Garfield Elementary, students are introduced to various STEM careers, sparking curiosity and building an early awareness of the diverse opportunities available in these fields. By exploring career pathways, students gain a deeper understanding of how STEM subjects relate to their futures.

To support this initiative, Garfield invited local STEM professionals to share insights about career opportunities. Guest speakers included women and individuals from underrepresented groups in STEM, ensuring students could see themselves reflected in these roles. Dr. Berry, a STEM advocate and author, highlighted various STEM careers through interactive activities tied to her books and robotics demonstrations. Junior Achievement board members also led engaging STEM-focused lessons, offering students hands-on experiences tied to real-world careers.

Career-focused lessons are integrated into interdisciplinary projects, allowing students to explore STEM roles through practical activities. Partnerships with local organizations amplify this impact, providing valuable resources, guest speakers, and opportunities for experiential learning. Community partners host field trips, virtual tours, and mentoring programs, while companies offer resources such as free software and professional expertise. Partners also invested time in visiting the school to showcase their professions. 

STEM Career Mentorship, facilitated by TechPoint Foundation for Youth, connects students with local professionals who share insights into their careers, fostering inspiration and deeper engagement.

Through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and robust partnerships, students develop a meaningful connection to STEM subjects and gain awareness of the vast career opportunities available. By embedding career exploration into the curriculum, Garfield equips students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to thrive in the dynamic and ever-evolving STEM workforce.

James A. Garfield partakes in a district-wide opportunity by offering STEM Clubs. STEM enrichment Clubs at Garfield include Robotics, Math Hoops, Environmental Club (Spring 2025), and Math Marvels (Spring 2025). All students at James A. Garfield have access to STEM Clubs. 

A new initiative implemented this school year is the Student STEM Committee. Students were chosen by their classroom teacher to be a part of this. the Student STEM Commitee had an opportunity to be Ambassadors for the Junior Achievement Board event. They discussed what it is like being at a STEM School and what they are learning while escorting the volunteers. 

STEM Nights are a pillar of showcasing student work and activities in the school. Families had a wide array of stations for students to visit. If they went to all of them, they could play Plinko for a prize. 

STEM education at James A. Garfield #31, in collaboration with Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), offers students a wealth of enriching opportunities. Each week, the school highlights a STEM Superstar, celebrating a diverse range of individuals who have made significant contributions to the world of STEM. This initiative serves as an inspiration, showing students the real-world impact of STEM fields.

The Innovation Fair is an annual event where IPS students showcase projects designed to make a positive difference in the world, encouraging creativity and problem-solving across a broad spectrum of STEM disciplines.

Through a partnership with TechPoint Foundation for Youth, IPS offers a STEM Mentor program, where professionals from the IT field visit bi-weekly to provide insight into the world of computer science, sparking students’ interest in technology and career possibilities.

Field trips play a crucial role in providing hands-on STEM experiences. James A. Garfield #31 ensures that students have access to a variety of STEM-based excursions. Notable trips include a visit to the Holcomb Observatory, an educational experience at the IMAX theater exploring the human body in a movie, and a trip to Biztown, where fifth graders gain firsthand experience in the workings of a small-town economy. These experiences help students connect classroom learning with real-world applications, deepening their understanding of STEM fields.