STEM of Sports Academy Presented by National Grid
Syracuse Athletics, in partnership with National Grid and Micron Technology, are proud to present the STEM of Sports Academy for the second year in a row. This program creates a dynamic one-day event designed to ignite curiosity and foster student engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through the exciting world of sports this summer.
Official Press Release
Official Press Release
The program serves as both an educational experience and a long‐term workforce development strategy, with a focus on students from Syracuse’s urban core and underrepresented communities. In its pilot year, the academy not only achieved its core objectives, but it delivered promising results that justify significant expansion and further support.
"From the design of helmets in football, hockey, and lacrosse to the technology behind the tablets used by Syracuse coaches, STEM is deeply woven into the fabric of sports to enhance performance and ensure athlete safety," said Robert Simmons, Vice President of U.S. Social Impact and Community Engagement at National Grid. "Our partnership with Syracuse University Athletics and the College of Engineering and Computer Science gives me great confidence that students participating in the STEM of Sports Academy will not only deepen their understanding of STEM, but also begin to see clear pathways to exciting careers in the field.”
Strategic Alignment and Program Rationale:
The STEM of Sports Academy directly supports Corporate Sponsors and Syracuse University priorities in the following areas:
- Access and Inclusion: The program is intentionally inclusive, welcoming students regardless of prior academic performance or athletic participation.
- K–12 Pipeline Development: It initiates a structured engagement pipeline into higher education and high‐growth STEM career paths.
- Community Engagement: It strengthens the civic footprint and positions sponsors and Syracuse University as proactive leaders in regional youth development in STEM.
- Workforce Readiness: It aligns with national and state‐level objectives for STEM talent development, particularly in advanced technology and semiconductor sectors.
— Professor Cindy Smith, Curriculum Director, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Program Implementation:
In summer 2024, Syracuse University Athletics hosted three 1‐day, coeducational STEM immersion sessions at the Lally Athletics Complex. Each session welcomed 50 students, with
one day exclusively for female participants. Programming was designed and led by faculty from the College of Engineering and Computer Science, in collaboration with Syracuse student-athlete
leaders.
Core Activities Included:
- Engineering through Play: The Egg Drop Challenge taught basic design and testing principles.
- Sports Technology Labs: Students explored real‐time impact sensors and athletic performance software.
- Physics of Movement: Sessions in running and jumping mechanics connected physics to daily life.
- Mentorship and Exploration: Campus tours and student‐athlete interactions offered exposure to collegiate life.
“Students were not passive learners; they were collaborators, thinkers, and designers. It transformed how they view both education and career possibilities.”
— Salatha Willis, Associate Athletics Director
Quantitative Outcomes ‐ Key Metrics from 2024 Post‐Program Survey (98 responses):
- 91% reported increased interest in STEM disciplines.
- 87% indicated a better understanding of STEM concepts.
- 79% expressed interest in pursuing STEM courses or careers.
- The majority found the real‐world applications of STEM both relevant and inspiring
- Over 90% rated the instructors and student‐athlete mentors as highly effective.
- Participants engaging in the Egg Drop Challenge which measures impact while encouraging creativity and engineering.
The data confirms that when STEM content is contextualized through sports, students not only retain more, but they want to learn more. This level of impact was particularly notable given the
program’s inclusivity: no prior STEM or athletic experience was required, ensuring accessibility to all students regardless of background.
Future Programming Vision:
The STEM of Sports Academy is not an endpoint. It is the foundation for a scalable, multi‐year STEM learning ecosystem designed to serve students through high school graduation and into post-secondary and workforce pathways.
Planned Pipeline Progression:
1. STEM of Sports Day Academy + High School Visits (9th–10th grades)
2. Summer College Non‐Credit STEM Academy (10th–11th grades)
3. Summer College STEM for Credit Program (11th–12th grades)
4. Pre‐College STEM Internships (Graduating seniors)
5. College Transition Program (First‐year university support)
New this year, Syracuse University will also launch Part Two of the STEM of Sports Academy: a week-long, non-credit STEM of Sports Engineering Course through the University's Summer College program. Aimed at rising 10th and 11th grade students, this residential experience offers participants the opportunity to take a college-level course through the College of Engineering and Computer Science, live on campus, and take part in academic events focused on STEM and innovation.
In 2025, 20 students from the 2024 pilot will receive full scholarships for the week-long STEM of Sports Summer College Experience.
