Fort Bend ISD (March 24, 2022) – More than 300 Bowie and Crockett middle school science, technology, engineering and mathematics students recently participated in the eCybermission STEM competition, thanks to a grant provided by the National Science Teaching Association.

eCybermission is a web-based STEM program sponsored by the U.S. Army and administered by the science teaching association and is designed to encourage student interest in STEM by encouraging sixth through ninth graders to develop solutions to real-world problems in their local communities.

Students are divided into teams of two or four and decide on a community problem to explore or try to solve. They can choose one of two paths. The science path requires students to ask a question/explore a problem. In the engineering path, students solve a problem.

Students competed earlier this month and are currently awaiting the results of the competition to find out which teams may advance to a regional and national round.

Crockett Middle School STEM Coordinator Richard Embrick works to increase access to STEM classes on his campus and for all FBISD middle school students. In 2013, he opened the first STEM classroom at Crockett Middle School with no funding. To date, he has won more than 20 grants totaling $115,000 to support the District’s program.

“These grants and programs provide more access for STEM learning in our classrooms,” Embrick said. “It has been exciting to watch our program grow into what it is today.” 

The eCybermission grant provides funds for schools’ staff professional development and student supplies, including STEM kits, for up to three years.

Crockett Middle School’s STEM, Peer Assisted Leadership (PALS) and Student Council sponsor Emma Garza and Bowie Middle School’s STEM, Robotics and Engineering Club sponsor Miranda Embrick are also recipients of the grants.

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The eCybermission grant provides funds for schools’ staff professional development and student supplies, including STEM kits.