Want degrees from Delaware State and UD? Engineers take notice: Education roundup

Kelly Powers, Delaware News Journal
·4 min read

One by one, Delaware's institutions of higher education are asking for millions in state funding as lawmakers continue to fine-tune the state's budget ahead of fiscal year 2025.

One such line item combined two of the state's most prominent universities. University of Delaware and its smaller neighbor in Delaware State University are crafting dual-degree programs in the name of a bolstered engineering workforce.

Back in K-12, STEM is also top of mind. One state high school just advanced in a national Samsung competition. In this weekly roundup, we'll catch you up these and other education updates you may have missed:

[Did we miss another good education story? Tell me about it: kepowers@gannett.com.]

UD and DSU join forces for dual-degree programs

A dog walker is framed by the north end of The Green at the University of Delaware in Newark under a coating of snow Friday afternoon, January 19, 2024.
A dog walker is framed by the north end of The Green at the University of Delaware in Newark under a coating of snow Friday afternoon, January 19, 2024.

Laura Carlson sees it as partners responding to the needs of a workforce.

Just last week, the provost accompanied President Dennis Assanis and other University of Delaware leaders to discuss funding before state lawmakers. Among a requested 8.2% increase in overall funding was one line item combining both their institution — and Delaware State University.

UD is requesting $1.4 million to support the second year of DSU-UD dual-degree programs, aiming to see the first 15 students start on a "seamless path" to combine the state's public universities.

"It starts with the needs of the state, right, to create engineers who are committed to working in the field in Delaware," Carlson said. "And it's also a commitment that we have to partner with our institutions in the state."

Right now, the budding program focuses on pathways to engineering degrees at UD.

Airport: Here are the details on Wilmington Airport's ambitious $13 million expansion plans

Two possibilities for students are a DSU bachelor's degree in chemistry or another in engineering physics connecting to a UD master's in material science and engineering or a master's of electrical and computer engineering, respectively. Two other paths lead to another UD bachelor's degree.

More options are in development, as the entire vision continues to take shape. So far, recruitment has been largely tailored to specific students.

Carlson said advisers will work with students from the start, as "it's so important the students see it as a coherent educational experience."

Brandywine High marked state winner in national STEM competition

Last year, five Brandywine High School students led the school to victory in Samsung's "Solve for Tomorrow” competition in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 15, 2023. By Tuesday afternoon, the student team was greeted by Delaware Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, multiple posters and cheers on an Amtrak train platform in Wilmington.
Last year, five Brandywine High School students led the school to victory in Samsung's "Solve for Tomorrow” competition in Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 15, 2023. By Tuesday afternoon, the student team was greeted by Delaware Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, multiple posters and cheers on an Amtrak train platform in Wilmington.

And then there was one.

Brandywine High School was just selected as Delaware's winner in the 14th-annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition. Each state winner sees $12,000 in technology for their school, according to last week's announcement.

About 300 state finalists, including handful of schools in the First State, had been in the running — but now, BHS alone is headed to the next stage with its project. Of note: last year, this school won it all.

Today, these high schoolers are designing electronic board games to help students with special needs build lasting connections with children around them. By March, the team must create a three-minute video showcasing their STEM solution.

Ten national finalists will be selected later that month, up for a $50,000 prize package. Then, in April, Solve for Tomorrow will name three schools as National Winners, each of whom will receive $100,000 in prize packages.

"Roughly one-third of our finalists are focused on solving public health issues, and another third on promoting environmental sustainability," said Ann Woo, head of corporate citizenship at Samsung Electronics America, in a press release. "Accessibility for people with disabilities, public safety, and agriculture were also top trending projects.”

Flashback: Delaware students bring home national STEM contest win with new assistive-tech device

Indian River seeks candidates for empty seats on board of education

Indian River School District has two seats sitting vacant on its board.

Hoping to fill them through June, when the current term expires, the district asks any interested candidates to contact Superintendent Jay Owens or Jennifer Troublefield, via email or by phone at (302) 436-1000.

The seats were vacated as previous members moved from District 1. New candidates should submit a filing form and letter of interest before Feb. 16, according to the district.

Next read: They go to school in a Wilmington high-rise. Soon, these kids hope to see a ‘safe haven’

Got a story? Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity for Delaware Online/The News Journal and USA TODAY Network Northeast, with a focus on education. Contact her at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191, and follow her on Twitter @kpowers01.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Want degrees from Delaware State and UD? Engineers take notice