On May 12, 2025, DeSoto Independent
School District celebrated a milestone in the progress and development of
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education with a special event at
Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy (KJTMA), a STEM- and advanced
academics focused K-8 specialized campus in DeSoto ISD.
The event marked the announcement of
a significant grant of more than $200,000 from Burns & McDonnell Foundations’ STEM
Grant Program, aimed at enhancing the district’s STEM programming
through Project Lead The Way (PLTW)
initiatives. The grant will benefit eight DeSoto ISD schools, expanding access
to cutting-edge STEM education and teacher training to better equip students
for careers in technology and innovation.
“We are thrilled to see this
partnership with Burns & McDonnell and Project Lead The Way come to life at
KJTMA and across our district. This grant is a game-changer, ensuring that our
students will have the resources, technology, and opportunities they need to
excel in STEM fields,” said Dr. Usamah Rodgers, Superintendent of DeSoto ISD.
“As a district, we are committed to providing a robust educational experience
that prepares our students for success in a rapidly evolving job market.”
The event allowed attendees to see
firsthand the powerful impact of the grant, as students demonstrated their
recently acquired skills in STEM-related activities. One of the highlights of
the day was watching scholars navigate an intricate STEM obstacle course,
controlling robots they had built and programmed over the course of several
weeks. In addition, students showcased their problem-solving abilities in a
biomedical lab, unlocking the key to fighting germs. They also built
sustainable coolers using recycled materials, part of a hands-on lesson on
conservation.
Stephanie McCloud, DeSoto ISD’s Chief
Academic Officer, highlighted the significance of these activities in advancing
the district’s mission. “These types of experiences are exactly what our
students need to develop critical thinking skills and prepare for the future.
The integration of PLTW programs will create lasting opportunities for our
students to explore STEM- and project-based learning and careers, and it’s
incredibly rewarding to see the excitement and passion in their work today.”
Representatives from Burns &
McDonnell and Project Lead The Way were also on hand to speak about the
collaboration and its potential impact. Dave Dimmett, from Project Lead The
Way, emphasized the importance of fostering STEM education at the grassroots
level. “The partnership between DeSoto ISD, Burns & McDonnell, and PLTW is
a great example of how we can work together to build pathways for students to
succeed. This grant will empower both students and teachers, giving them the
tools they need to thrive in STEM.”
Leslie Duke of Burns & McDonnell
expressed her company’s commitment to the growth of STEM education in the
community. “We are proud to support DeSoto ISD’s efforts to provide
state-of-the-art STEM programming. Investing in the education of the next
generation is essential for creating a workforce that is innovative, skilled,
and ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”
The event concluded with a tour of
the KJTMA campus, where attendees had the opportunity to see the school’s
advanced STEM programs in action. With this generous grant, DeSoto ISD is taking
bold steps toward shaping the future of its students and ensuring that they are
well-prepared for the careers of tomorrow.
“We’re excited to continue to provide
our students with these amazing opportunities and watch them grow as future
leaders in the STEM fields,” Dr. Rodgers concluded. “This is just the beginning
of a bright future for our students.”
The $200,000 grant from Burns &
McDonnell and the collaboration with Project Lead The Way represent a major
investment in the educational and professional future of DeSoto ISD’s students.
With expanded access to high-quality STEM programs, the district is poised to
create a pipeline of students ready to make meaningful contributions to the
world of technology and innovation.
For more information about DeSoto
ISD’s STEM initiatives, visit the district’s website.
See link to event photos here.