Leaders in Learning: 'Learning Blade' brings ID schools free access to online career tools

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — When it comes to careers, you can't become what you don't see.

That's the main driver behind Learning Blade, an online STEM, CTE and CS career toolbox.

"Learning Blade is really designed around getting younger kids to understand what the STEM and other careers related to technology are," shares President of Learning Blade, Sheila Boyington.

This online program for is for grades 5th-9th. It's is an interactive toolbox with lessons, projects, and activities designed to engage students while practicing academic skills all while introducing them to STEM and CTE careers.

"While they are learning about the job, they are doing stem as well," shares Kaitlin Maguire, Executive Director of the Idaho STEM Action Center.

"We really recognized that this was an opportunity to really help get more kids into those pipelines," Boyington explains. "So that they would know what they needed to do in high school, to take the right classes and do the right things to lead them to really high paying jobs across the country."

Middle school is that critical time for STEM interest, according to both Boyington and Maguire.

But Learning Blade also offers programs for K-12th grades, that can be utilized by teachers directly.

'Career Blade' connects students to high-demand careers by providing K-12th grade teachers with classroom-ready lesson plans. .

These lessons satisfy Idaho curricular standards and allow for seamless transition into the classroom.

Allowing teachers to search by state standard and track progress.

"You want to start them young," Kaitlin Maguire explains. "We can start to show students what they are capable of and what is available to them to help fill STEM jobs in Idaho."

And now, the Idaho STEM Action Center, with support from the Governors office, is offering Learning Blade to all Idaho public schools and organizations statewide for the next three school years.

Giving even the most rural of Idaho student's a chance to explore STEM through Learning Blade Backpack.

"This our backpack app and it's available for Chromebook," Boyington shares.

This app is a offline compatible version of Learning Blade, allowing students without internet access to still be able to engage in all Learning Blade has to offer.

To access Learning Blade as an Idaho student, click HERE.

To access Career Blade as a teacher, click HERE.

For more information on Learning Blade's partnership with the Idaho STEM Action Center click HERE.

We are so thankful for all of the teachers helping their students right now -- and we want to recognize them!

If you know of a classroom leader doing something great, email us: Leadersinlearning@kboi2.com.

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