What does IN-STEP stand for?

Interdisciplinary iNcubation STEM design challenges through community Engagement with academic and industry Professionals.

Project Overview

IN-STEP is a three-year initiative funded by the ITEST program to provide 2,020 urban high school students with integrated STEM (iSTEM) learning experiences. By focusing on local food systems, we connect classroom learning to real-world community contexts.

Our Objectives

• Empowering Educators: Advancing teacher enactment of learner-centered teaching (LCT) to tackle local food system problems.

• Student Innovation: Increasing design thinking skills through the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

• Workforce Readiness: Developing student connections to the local community and professional workforce.

Impact & Collaboration

We are currently partnering with five urban high schools, including Purdue Polytechnic High School campuses, Decatur Central High School, and Chicago High School for AgriSciences. Our team consists of experts in educational research, design thinking, and teacher professional development.