The STEM Letter was an initiative of mine to help inspire students toward STEM activities.  Our school offered sport letters, select academic letters and JROTC letters.  Unfortunately, nothing existed to help recognize those students working feverishly to compete against local, state and national competitors.  I felt this letter was necessary to recognize those who compete as rigorously as any other activity or sport.

As a coach and sports fan, I can fully appreciate recognizing our athletes for their contribution.  So much attention is paid towards athletics.  Strangely so little attention is paid towards STEM activities.  And to be quite frank, most of our STEM students will actually become professionals in this field.  How many athletes will actually turn pro?

Lastly, I find it very sad that so much of our extra duty funding goes into athletic coaching, and so little if any, goes toward STEM academic coaching.   Just imagine for a second if STEM coaches were paid as much as athletic coaches.  Where would we be now?  

I don't know about you, but I think there needs to be a new ideological perspective in the way we view our after-school programs and where we place emphasis.  As ambassadors of STEM, it will be up to us to help shape this new paradigm.