Ongoing professional development is an essential resource for K-12 STEM educators looking to stay at the forefront of STEM pedagogy and update their content knowledge. Our professional development and funding partners play a critical role in helping ASAP reach the greatest number of educators possible and provide access to integral resources.
ASAP's professional development workshops, funded in part by the U.S. Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR), are aligned with the 11 Naval Science and Technology Focus Areas. These areas represent the cutting edge of real-world STEM careers and innovation. Teachers who attend ASAP-supported workshops gain hands-on experience connecting these topics to their K–12 classrooms.
1. Autonomy / Artificial Intelligence (AI) Explores trusted autonomous systems and AI technologies that enhance decision-making, enable unmanned platforms, and support man-machine teaming in complex environments.
2. Naval Aerospace Focuses on next-generation aviation platforms, advanced aerodynamics, high-performance structures, and propulsion systems for both manned and unmanned flight.
3. Directed Energy & Kinetic Systems Investigates high-power lasers, microwave technologies, and advanced kinetic weapons that provide scalable defensive and offensive options.
4. C5ISR / Naval Space Aims to achieve information superiority through advanced Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and space-based capabilities.
5. Human & Biological Systems Explores biotechnology and human-machine teaming to enhance performance, develop bio-sensors, and protect against physiological threats.
6. Manufacturing Focuses on advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing and digital twins to accelerate production, improve repair speed, and secure supply chains.
7. Materials / Electronics Develops high-performance materials and advanced electronics designed to withstand extreme environments while reducing size, weight, and power requirements.
8. Naval Engineering Concentrates on the design, construction, and modernization of ship and submarine platforms to improve hull performance, stability, and survivability.
9. Ocean, Atmosphere, & Space Studies the physical environment to improve weather forecasting, oceanographic modeling, and environmental sensing for better navigation and planning.
10. Power & Energy Focuses on energy generation, storage, and distribution to support high-demand systems while increasing the endurance of naval platforms.
11. Undersea Systems Targets superiority in the underwater domain through advanced sonar, submarine stealth technology, and undersea unmanned vehicles.
Forging sustainable connections between professional development partners and Arizona educators has always been a central role of our program. We believe that directing fellows to an organization that specializes in their subject area and enhancing education standards is a crucial step in accelerating STEM Education across this state.
For this reason, ASAP provides funding to professional development partners to provide their workshops at discounted or free rates, with a focus on rural and traditionally undeveloped areas. We provide teachers with compensation for attending these workshops, and all parties involved benefit, with students reaping the rewards.
