STEM Community Training
This is the core of T.O.R.C.H., it accomplishes all of the objectives in a single program. STEM Community Training is also the origin of T.O.R.C.H. Examples of STEM community training include: computer proficiency courses, tutoring for K-12 students in STEM, supplemental instruction in STEM, job readiness training, technology seminars, website design and programming.
T.O.R.C.H. has the broadest impact of all NSBE programs and should not only reach the K-12 audience, but working adults, high school graduates and senior citizens. STEM community training should directly provide a skill or knowledge in the topic, similar to the outcome of a course in school.
Forms of STEM Community Training
A T.O.R.C.H. Center and program are distinctly different and reporting your center or program will need to be specific. Here are brief definitions for a T.O.R.C.H. center and program:
T.O.R.C.H. Programs
- Moderate in length, varying between a few weeks to an entire year
- Fixed location: on campus or community
- Focus on a specific age range and specific offerings
- Generally T.O.R.C.H. up to two types of instruction at a time
TORCH Centers
- Dedicated space in which NSBE TORCH offers majority, if not all of the training programs in that location
- Ideally within the community
- Open access to all community members
- Has computers and equipment to offer the entire community
- Broad content touching multiple age ranges and demographics represented in the community. NSBE members engaged in TORCH direct the technical content of the center and offer multiple courses at one time period
Regardless of whether your chapter selects a program or a center, the process is very similar and the following content will guide you in developing your program or center. A strong staple of TORCH lies within STEM community training, along with Informal Engineering and Science and Technical Expertise Services.
Getting Started
- Determine and Audience
- Choose a location that will be supportive of your efforts, and that’s easy to get to for both volunteers and students
- Start small and step up your programming gradually to avoid getting overwhelmed
More details are available in the T.O.R.C.H. handbook and T.O.R.C.H. best practices.
Curriculum
Use the T.O.R.C.H. STEM Community Training Handbook to design your own, or check the resources below to get some help.
Sample Curricula
Here are some sample curricula developed by the T.O.R.C.H. Committee in conjunction with chapters. Submit yours to torch@nsbe.org to share what you’ve used with other chapters.
Alice several lessons using a free learn-to program environment called ALICE.
M & M’s in Excel - a single excel lesson using excel.
Helpful Curriculum Links
Microsoft Office 2007 Training Presentations
Microsoft Office 2003 Training Presentations
Autodesk “Design Academy” Materials
Alice Program (free)
Additional Alice Materials that accompany the textbook