Many STEM outreach programs across the country are working to get students introduced to and interested in science, technology, engineering, and math from a young age, opening up these fields as potential career paths they might not have considered. With the interest these programs generate hopefully comes the desire to learn more and gain necessary skills to pursue a technical career. The U.S. Department of Education reports that only 16 percent of American students are proficient in mathematics and consider a STEM career, and of those only half end up going on to work in a STEM-related career. While the Department of Education aims to fill a nationwide goal of recruiting young minds to these important fields, Purdue University has unveiled a targeted approach to getting students in its home state of Indiana to succeed in STEM.

In August 2017 in Indianapolis, Ind., Purdue plans to open Purdue Polytechnic High School, a STEM-focused charter school designed to get students to be successful high school students with the opportunity to be directly admitted to Purdue University.

Purdue's engineering program has been ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The curriculum and teaching methods will be designed to mirror the Purdue Polytechnic Institute's program, combine K-12 and postsecondary education, and prepare students for success in the 21st century workplace.

Problem- and project-based learning with a connection to real-world challenges make up the first two years of the program. Eleventh graders will choose a specific pathway and begin earning college credit and industry credentials. And in their last year students will complete an internship in their particular chosen field. In addition to focused and hands-on STEM learning, programs helping students transition from high school to college will also be provided to ensure students succeed in their education.

Read more about the announcement: opsy.st/PurdueHighSchool