Program alliances benefit STEM students.

• Author: Miller, Cynthia D.
• Position: STEMNEWS

When you can't get something done yourself, join an alliance. This simple principle may have come into vogue through the "Survivor" television series, but it is a basic tenet in life.

Therefore, it's not surprising that of the many education programs focused on attracting students to study science, technology, engineering and math, the most successful are usually those involving multiple levels of sponsorship. Programs in which the military, government, municipalities, corporate and private sectors partner with our education systems are gaining in number, popularity and success, mainly because of the strength brought forth through alliances. Several such programs are offered at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Md.

Anna Johnson-Winegar is president of the Fort Detrick Alliance, a nonprofit that helps build relationships and communication between Fort Detrick and the local community. Johnson-Winegar, who holds a Ph.D. in microbiology, retired from her position as deputy assistant secretary of defense for chemical-biological programs at the Pentagon in 2003.

"My 10th grade biology teacher motivated me to become a STEM student," said Johnson-Winegar. "And laboratory research has been my passion ever since. It is so creative, so innovative, and each day offers a new discovery."

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She speaks glowingly of Fort Detrick's STEM alliance programs. The Army-sponsored Young Engineers and Scientists (YES) program is a week-long session that teams students aged 11 through 18 with professionals and educators to work on projects.

Edward Nolan, director of human resources at Fort Detrick, said "Hood College hosts this program in their college labs. This partnership makes it a unique and very successful experience for the students."

Students work on scientific experiments and earn small stipends for completing the program.

The Future Links program is a joint effort between Fort Detrick, Frederick County Public Schools, Frederick Community College and the Frederick County Business Roundtable for Education. Since its launch...