the Cal Ripken Jr. Foundation to outfit these spaces with interactive technology. “There’s more than one way to teach,” Hanks notes. “There’s definitely a way to integrate engineering into math so lessons bring not only relevance but reinforce information for students in a real-world way. Just because students need to create technical writing doesn’t mean they can’t do it by writing a manual on how to create equipment or how to scope out using a 3D printer to print molds for mass production.” BUILDING A CONTINUOUS EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY Gallup-McKinley has constructed a sequential career development path that begins in elementary school and continues through graduation. This approach aligns with research showing that early career exposure significantly increases student engagement and helps children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds envision professional futures. Elementary students explore careers through handson STEM activities and career exploration programs. “We’ve started building STEM centers in our resource centers in each elementary school where there are hands-on STEM activities students can participate in,” Hyatt explains.“We have a program called Xello available to all elementary schools. It is an interactive career exploration.” By middle school, students begin taking dedicated employability skills courses—an uncommon opportunity for grades 6–8.“We offer employability skills classes from sixth through eighth grade,” says McFarland. “In addition, students can take Project Lead the Way courses that explore areas like medical 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 05 GALLUP-MCKINLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS
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