Rhode Island Expands JASON Learning STEM Education to 16 School Districts

Rhode Island Officials and JASON founder Dr. Robert Ballard Announce Expanded Partnership at Warwick’s Pilgrim High School

WARWICK, RI – Rhode Island officials, along with famed oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard, announced a second significant appropriation by the Rhode Island Legislature to fund expanded JASON Learning implementation in 16 school districts (Bristol/Warren, Burrillville, Central Falls, Coventry, Cranston, East Providence, Jamestown, Newport, North Providence, Pawtucket, Providence, Smithfield, Warwick, West Warwick, Westerly, Woonsocket).

Dr. Ballard, speaking to more than 700 Warwick students and assembled guests, said that as they look at their lives and careers, future opportunities will be available to those who study science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

“STEM is about the real world and how we interact with it,” Dr. Ballard said. “In the Ocean State, it is vital that we educate our students to learn and inquire and explore the world and the universe for the benefit of all.”

Dr. Ballard is the founder of JASON Learning, a non-profit educational organization that teaches more than 2 million students every year about STEM. He was joined by State Rep. Eileen S. Naughton, D-Warwick, who sponsored the appropriation, as well as Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian and several Rhode Island Superintendents.

Rhode Island has now invested a total of $1 million in bringing its state-of-the-art science curricula to students across the state.

Brown University surveyed Rhode Island JASON students from the 2012-2013 school year and found that on average 76.9 percent said they enjoy science classes after their introduction to JASON, vs. 62.8 percent before.

In one district, Westerly, 81.8 percent now enjoy science studies thanks to JASON, up 20.9 percentage points from their earlier experience.

More than 10,000 Rhode Island students participated in JASON Learning curricula in the past school year.  The number of students and teachers using JASON will double in school year 2013-2014.

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JASON Learning is a 501(c)(c3) that connects students with scientists and researchers in real- and near-real time, virtually and physically, to provide mentored, authentic and enriching science learning experiences.

JASON and its partners create these connections using multiple platforms and technologies, including award-winning, standards-based Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) curricula developed with NOAA, NASA, National Geographic Society and others; after-school and out-of-school activities; camp experiences; and exploration programs for museums, aquariums, libraries and community centers. The result is a year-round continuum of classroom and out-of-classroom learning.

Founded in 1989 by Dr. Robert D. Ballard, JASON is a nonprofit organization managed by Sea Research Foundation, Inc. and governed by Sea Research and National Geographic Society.

Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, operates Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT; the Ocean Exploration Center, focused on deep ocean environments and led by Dr. Robert D. Ballard; and, in partnership with National Geographic, JASON Learning. The mission of Sea Research (www.searesearch.org) is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration.

(The name was changed to JASON Learning from The JASON Project in early 2013.)