GEM4STEM (Growing Educational Mentors for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is an educational mentoring program designed to encourage interest in the STEM related areas of education, including science, technology, engineering and math. Eastman employees serve as mentors for students in the Putting Children First partnership through numerous educational activities by tutoring, counseling, substitute teaching (in STEM areas), classroom presentations, laboratory demonstrations, academic competitions and more. GEM4STEM brings practical elements of the working world into the academic world to enrich the educational experience for students and educators alike.

As a result of the Tennessee Diploma Project, graduation requirements in math and science have also increased for students graduating in 2013. These more rigorous requirements better align Tennessee’s K-12 STEM standards and assessments with workforce requirements. We must work collaboratively as educators, business partners, parents, and policymakers to support significant changes and improvements to the STEM curriculum from elementary to high school.

Over the past decade, the United States has experienced a steady decline among students in the STEM-related areas of education. Complicating this issue is the fact that 50% of the current science and engineering workforce will be depleted with the retirement of baby boomers over the next decade resulting in an anticipated turnover for Eastman. Eastman is working to engage students, parents and Eastman employees in various workforce initiatives, including promoting the benefits of pursuing a career in a STEM-related area. Quality education impacts Eastman’s future economic competitiveness and long-term sustainability of its business and workforce.

The GEM4STEM program is available to the Putting Children First partnering schools. In order to request a GEM to come to your classroom, you must submit a request form and allow at least a 3-4 week lead time to accommodate employees work schedules.