Tulsa Public Schools Awarded $20K STEM Grant

Tulsa Public Schools got a new grant to help get students interested in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Verizon awarded a $20,000 STEM grant to the district Wednesday afternoon.

The wireless company established its Innovate Learning program to help boost the number of workers with tech-based skills.

New research says there are 3 million STEM jobs across the country that are not filled right now, and over the next decade, 80 percent of new jobs will require science and math skills.

"They are high-paying jobs. They are really concerned about getting kids interested in science, technology, engineering, and math at an early age. Studies show that if they're not engaged by third grade, then this will pass them by," said Lucky Lamons with the Foundation for Tulsa Schools.

TPS is already working with a consultant group to develop more STEM-related activities for students.