By Jessica Zimmerman

Suffolk, VA. August 4, 2023 – VMASC was honored to host the Suffolk Public Schools (SPS) book launch signing event for the new book, STEM Century “It Takes a Village to Raise a 21^st-Century Graduate,” on Monday, July 31, 2023. Simultaneously, VMASC collaborated on the educational partnership with SPS, and provided an immersive STEM open house where attendants of the book signing event were able check out several STEM-based technologies, such as the bulkhead challenge with Digital Ship and flight and car simulators.

“What a success! While city dignitaries, school board members, administration, teachers, students, and staff got their books signed by esteemed authors, attendees also engaged in an immersive STEM open house. This event provided a unique opportunity for attendees to experience examples of cutting-edge technology and projects led by various researchers and staff. The goal was to inspire future collaborations and connections,” said Dr. Jessica Johnson, Director for STEM and Educational Partnership for VMASC and a contributor to the book.

Written in partnership with 21stCentEd, an organization that proves comprehensive STEM education, “It Takes a Village to Raise a 21^st Century Graduate: Suffolk, VA Edition,” provides personal thoughts and perspectives from community members, parents, staff, and Suffolk Public Schools students on advancing our educational system’s goals in fostering, improving, and invigorating student engagement in the 21^st-century workforce.  

“It’s definitely a good learning experience and it looks good on college applications,” said Alexis Griffith, a rising senior at Lakeland High School who contributed to the chapter about the “High School Perspective.”

The stories in the book detail the importance of community leadership, data-driven decision-making, division collaboration, student buy-in and the teacher perspective. These interrelationships are what is necessary to ensure that all students receive comprehensive STEM education early, often, and everywhere.

Suffolk Public Schools Superintendent Dr. John G. Gordon, III, who also contributed to the book, was key in getting Suffolk’s vision on STEM education into publication. “Our young people are brilliant. With the proper preparation, guidance, and opportunities, we can prepare a 21^st-century graduate ready to take on our world’s greatest challenges. We have them for 13 years before they are released in the world, and there are no reasons for them not to be ready. Let’s get them ready!” he said in his chapter in the book.

“It Takes a Village to Raise a 21^st Century Graduate: Suffolk, VA Edition” is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/479aK61