Lithia Springs High Named A STEM Education Awards Finalist

From Douglas County Schools

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), the state’s leading association dedicated to the promotion and economic advancement of Georgia’s technology industry, today announced that Lithia Springs High School has been named as a Finalist in the high school category for the 2014 STEM Education Awards.

The Technology Association of Georgia’s 3rd STEM Education Awards recognizes schools, programs, and companies for outstanding efforts and achievements in supporting and promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education in Georgia.

Lithia Springs High School’s (LSHS) STEM Academy has been selected as a finalist in the high school division for this year’s TAG Awards. LSHS’ STEM Academy is a highly selective magnet program that offers students in Douglas and surrounding counties the option to complete a rigorous course of study in Engineering or Biomedical Science. School principal, Dr. Garrick Askew stated:

“We are honored to be included among the select cadre of schools nominated for this year’s TAG Awards. It is encouraging to see how our vision of STEM education has taken life and continued to grow. Our nomination is a tribute the innovative work of the students, staff, and parents involved in the program.”

Assistant Principal and coordinator of the STEM program at LSHS, Dr. Lee Collins, concurred stating “The teachers and students are excited about the recognition. “ Dr. Collins also explained “Teachers have worked [so hard] over time on integrated thematic units of study for LSHS’ STEM Academy, and students take every opportunity to extend their learning beyond the schoolhouse doors, as project based learning and internships are a big part of what we do at LSHS. In fact a number of our students completed internships at Georgia Tech this past summer. We are truly thankful for this opportunity.”

“It is exciting to see the progress we are making with STEM education in Georgia. The increase in nominations each year and the quality of the nominations made it difficult for our judges,” said Michael Robertson, Executive Director of TAG Education Collaborative. “Congratulations to the Finalists! Your work engaging these students in STEM will benefit the students you touch for years to come with challenging and exciting careers.”

This year’s Finalists were chosen in 8 different categories:

· Elementary School

· Middle School

· High School

· Post Secondary Outreach

· Extracurricular Program

· STEM Certified School Outreach

· Corporate Outreach

· Best STEM Day Activity

Winners in each category will be officially honored at The 3rd Annual STEM Education Awards event held on September 26th at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center in Savannah, Georgia. The event is presented by TAG, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG-Ed), a non-profit 501c3 dedicated to advancing STEM education in Georgia, and TAG Savannah.

“STEM occupations will increase in Georgia by more than 22,000 during the current decade,” said Tino Mantella, president & CEO of TAG. “The finalists of this year’s STEM Education Awards are helping to prepare the tech-ready workforce needed to fill these jobs and we applaud them for standing out as leaders in Georgia’s educational community.”

For more information about TAG and the 3rd Annual STEM Education Awards or to attend the event, visit http://bit.ly/STEMinfo2014

About Lithia Springs High School’s STEM Academy

Lithia Springs High School’s STEM Academy is a highly selective magnet program that offers students in Douglas and surrounding counties the option to complete a rigorous course of study in Engineering or Biomedical Science. In addition, students are supported and prepared through internships and service learning. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities such as robotics, Science Olympiad, the Science and Engineering Fair, and Technovation. For additional information please visit the website athttp://lithiasprings.dch.schoolinsites.com/ or contact Dr. Lee Collins at (770) 651-6711 or [email protected]

About TAG Education Collaborative

TAG Education Collaborative is dedicated to developing science, technology, engineering and math initiatives in Georgia. Through partnerships with statewide STEM programs, TAG-Ed fosters student interest in STEM in order to increase appreciation for the opportunities available through technology careers. TAG-Ed hosts an internship program for high school students, two web-based team challenges for students interested in Health IT and web design, and the Vine Event, an annual fundraiser benefiting STEM education. For additional information, visitTAG Education Collaborative or contact Michael Robertson at (404) 920 –2038 or [email protected].

About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 24,500 members and hosting over 200 events each year via 6 chapters across the state including Metro Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon/Middle Georgia and Savannah . TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 34 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG’s mission is to educate, promote, influence and unite Georgia’s technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia’s technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state’s economic climate for technology. For more information visit the TAG website atwww.tagonline.org or TAG’s community website at www.TAGthink.com.