Project Overview

1. Research Purpose

Using an Educational Research Design, the program aims to understand the effectiveness of hands-on instruction in preparation for the ACT WorkKeys Solutions National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC) exam.

2. Program Goals and Objectives

We seek to pilot an education training program that addresses the shortage of prepared individuals entering college and the workforce. The objectives are to provide accessible and affordable training to individuals seeking to enter or advance in STEM degrees or careers. 

3. Activities

a. Complete ACT WorkKeys Online Tutorials; this includes the practice questions and quizzes.

b. Participate in the in-person hands-on activities during the Pre-Engineering Project Lead the Way (PLTW) course.

c. Take the ACT WorkKeys Certification Assessment

d. Go on the Field Trip- Tour

e. Attend the Graduation Ceremony

f.  Enjoy your success

4. Target Audience

ACT high school students enrolled in an engineering math course.

5. Benefits to Participants

The STEM Forward research pilot program will help you achieve a National Career Readiness Certificate and Digital Badges through the ACT WorkKeys process.  Our fee-free program provides stipends* to allow you to learn about applied math, graphic literacy, and workplace documents at your own pace, anywhere, using a world-class online tutorial. Then, bring the learning home through hands-on activities taught at your local high school. 

With cool activities that allow career exploration and college prep activities, you can make more of your experience. The program includes enrichment activities, such as speaking with experts in the field, taking an all-expense-paid field trip to tour the historic grounds and up-to-date facilities of the WVSU campus, speaking with faculty and admissions representatives, or getting referrals to education services of your choice. 

6. Timeline, Contact, and Other Information

Program dates

Academic School Year

Location

Academy of Careers and Technology

Contact Information

cbishop1@wvstateu.edu and  morenokt@wvstateu.edu 

Website Link: WVSU STEM Forward

Description

The Workforce Education Program is embedded in a high school engineering and math course. It is fee-free and includes a stipend and a Math grab bag upon completion.

*Stipends can only be earned by fully participating in the program's components, which include: filling out all the paperwork and turning it in, completing all the online curriculum, participating in at least 80% of the hands-on activities, all of the testing, the tour and the graduation ceremony.  Refer to the IRB consent form for the amounts, including additional benefits.