Congresswoman Judy Biggert tours SXU's new state-of-the-art learning center

STEM Learning Center aims to improve area teachers' knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics

Chicago (Oct. 19, 2011) Congresswoman Judy Biggert (IL-13) recently toured Saint Xavier University's new state-of-the-art learning center designed to improve south suburban teachers' knowledge in science and math at SXU's Orland Park campus, 18230 Orland Parkway.

In 2009, Biggert helped to secure federal support for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Learning Center and for partnerships between SXU and schools in Chicago's south suburbs. The STEM Center provides hands-on science, math and technology programs designed to increase teachers' knowledge and skills in these areas. SXU School of Education staff will conduct site visits to schools in order to assess current and future progress and needs, and provide support and programming to teachers and administrators throughout the region.

“Our high-tech economy demands that our students have superior math and science skills,” said Biggert, a senior member on the House Education and the Workforce Committee as well as the Space, Science and Technology Committee. “Saint Xavier’s STEM Education Center meets a critical need in our community to ensure that public and private schools in suburban Chicago have trained, well-qualified STEM teachers, and that our students have the resources and the inspiration to pursue careers in these fields."

A $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education covered 100 percent of the cost of developing the STEM Center and operating it for its first two years.

For more information about SXU's STEM Learning Center, please contact the School of Education at (773) 298-3200 or visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: stem.

-SXU-

Media Contact:
Karla Thomas, Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or kthomas@sxu.edu