By: Jeffries F. Epps, Staff Writer
In a groundbreaking partnership with Fayetteville State University’s TRIO Program, STEMERALD City LLC has brought a wave of innovation and excitement to Luther Nick Jeralds Middle School through its revolutionary STEM program. This initiative has provided 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students with enriching and engaging STEM activities every other Tuesday for eight months, right within the school premises.
Jeffries Epps, CEO of STEMERALD City, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, “We relished the opportunity to work with students during the school day for a block of instruction. Sometimes staying after school is not a viable solution.”
The program’s focus on introducing students to coding has been particularly impactful. Epps highlighted, “Introducing students to coding enhances their ability to read, write, and comprehend. ELA and coding are synonymous with regard to their skills sets. The biggest misconception in education is that computer programming is more about math. This is not true. The best coders are sitting in ELA, foreign language, and band classrooms.”
What makes this program truly exceptional is the feedback from the students themselves. Each student expressed how much they enjoyed learning to code, showcasing not only their interest but also the effectiveness of integrating STEM education into their regular curriculum. Here are audio clips from several 8th grade participants.
As the cream rises to the top at Luther Nick Jeralds Middle School, it’s clear that initiatives like this are paving the way for a brighter, more innovative future for students in STEM education.