STI College, CISTEM Collaborate for STEM Excellence

By: Graceline Marcelo , April 23, 2024

In the realm of education, collaboration often breeds innovation and excellence. This sentiment strongly resonates with the recent partnership forged between STI College and the Center for Integrated STEM Education (CISTEM).

CISTEM, one of the programs by the Unilab Foundation, is renowned for its commitment to promoting quality STEM education and found a like-minded ally in STI College. At the core of this partnership is a shared vision to elevate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in the Philippines.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony on April 4, 2024, affirmed the two parties’ commitment to conduct faculty training and learner engagement programs to advance STEM education.

"This partnership with CISTEM aligns perfectly with our mission to prepare future-ready graduates in the field of STEM," said Ferdie T. Dantes, STI’s AVP for Academics. “With partners, like Unilab, we can empower educators, inspire students, and pave the way for a brighter future filled with innovation," he added.

(from left to right) Present during the MOU Signing are STI’s Student Development and Welfare Head Orbit D. Panganiban, STI’s AVP for Academics Fernando T. Dantes III, CISTEM Executive Director Melvin T. Magsayo and CISTEM Program Officer Yna Marie C. Jubas

 

Both institutions aim to equip teachers with the tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to deliver exceptional STEM education and inspire students to pursue careers in these fields.

"We want to share our resources with STI College," said Melvin T. Magsayo, CISTEM Executive Director. "Our goal is to upskill teachers' ability to develop, implement, and deliver quality STEM education to their learners," he added.

The partnership's cornerstone lies in enhancing teacher capacity through innovative programs. The STEM TRIP (Theory to Real-world Industry Practices) initiative will immerse STI teachers in real-world industry settings, bridging the gap between classroom theory and practical application.

STI ESG and CISTEM officials during the signing
STI ESG and CISTEM officials during the signing

Furthermore, the Teach SMART program, short for Supporting Mastery and Resource-Building Techniques of Teachers, will equip educators with pedagogies and tools tailored to their learners' needs.

Additionally, CISTEM will launch a new website for the STEMKonek Mentoring Platform. This way the students will have a much easier way to access mentors in science, engineering, and technology disciplines. This initiative aims to inspire students and provide them with valuable insights into potential career paths.

"We're excited about the opportunities this partnership brings," said Yna Marie C. Jubas, CISTEM Program Officer. "By leveraging on what education STI College advocates for, we're keen on expanding our resources and approach to integrate STEM education," she ended.