Since 2018, FIS has intentionally increased its focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), including hiring STEM coaches, building new labs and equipment such as virtual reality platforms and 3D microscopes, just to name a few. The goal is to provide students with opportunities that not only enhance their learning experiences, but introduce technology as a learning tool as well.

Although STEM subjects encompass four distinct strands of education, they are primarily concerned with one overriding skill: problem solving. From following scientific methods to writing code, to uncovering the value of variables, STEM subjects provide our students the single most valuable skill in any industry: working together to find solutions to pressing needs.

FIS has chosen to increase its investment in STEM subjects because they lead to the competencies not only valued by universities and employers, but like skeleton keys, are skills that will open doors leading to new avenues of discovery. We can only be optimistic about our future if we know that the next generation has the skills necessary to create new solutions for our world’s problems – those that are known, and those we have yet to face.