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Young Elementary Receives STEM Designation

Springdale Public Schools

July 28, 2025

Young Elementary School has earned the STEM Model School designation from the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Young officially received the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math designation July 15 and is one of just ten Arkansas public schools to receive the recognition, according to the DESE website.

"We are excited and have worked over the past few years to integrate STEAM into all our subject areas," said Christy Norwood, Young Elementary School principal. The STEAM integrates the arts into the STEM model as well.

The AR STEM Model Program connects the Arkansas's STEM education system to Arkansas careers and career training opportunities, according to the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education website. The program is based on the Federal STEM Vision to build strong foundations in STEM literacy, increase STEM education and prepare students for the future STEM workforce.

“Our community and culture have shifted to focus on STEAM and foster a growth mindset," Norwood said. "Our students are provided with unique learning opportunities, and we are excited to continue to grow in our STEAM learning."

The goals of the AR STEM Model Program include:

• Increase STEM Opportunities for Arkansas Students

• Recognize Model STEM Schools across the State

• Develop and Strengthen Partnerships with Business, Industry, and Community

• Support Growth and Sustainability of the AR STEM Teacher Pipeline

STEM education provides opportunities for students to engage in authentic experiences in the classroom that are linked to community, occupations and the global world so all Arkansas students become STEM literate in their PreK-12 journey towards college and career readiness, according to the website.

Shaw Elementary School earned the designation in 2024 and was the first Springdale School to do so.