Concordia International School Shanghai Earns Prestigious ITEEA STEM School Award

Concordia International School Shanghai is celebrating a significant achievement as it has been honored with the esteemed title of ITEEA 2024-25 STEM School of Excellence. This title is particularly notable as Concordia stands out as the only K-12 institution in Asia to receive such recognition. The award is endorsed by Siemens and presented by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA), which aims to celebrate outstanding integrative STEM education.

The ITEEA's STEM School of Excellence Recognition Program is designed to acknowledge schools that excel in promoting engineering and technology literacy among students. This recognition serves as a celebration of the educators, administrators, and stakeholders making significant impacts through innovative practices and instructional strategies.

Central to Concordia's philosophy is the belief that every student should feel empowered to engage with STEM disciplines. This is put into practice through encouragement for students to participate in various STEM-related courses, projects, and extracurricular activities across different grade levels. Some hands-on opportunities offered include VEX Robotics competitions, drone technology challenges, and exciting citizen science projects.

These experiences connect students to real-world problem-solving situations, allowing them to express their creative interests and passion for STEM. Additionally, students have taken it upon themselves to present their research findings at international events, contributing to their development and recognition in the field. Their dedication has also led to various accolades and victories in competitions, establishing a strong foundation for their future career paths.

However, Concordia's commitment to STEM extends beyond its campus. The school actively participates in outreach and service-learning projects aimed at spreading STEM literacy. These initiatives range from presenting at Maker Faire events to teaching drone technology to students in rural China, and setting up computer labs at underserved schools in Nepal.

One of the highlights of Concordia's application for this award was its annual High School Career Day, which serves as an opportunity to inspire students about their future career paths. This cornerstone event hosts distinguished professionals from various industries, granting Concordia students the chance to learn from their experiences and gain valuable insights into prospective careers.

Dr. Yujiro Fujiwara, who serves as the STEM Coordinator and High School Math Teacher at Concordia, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, "This process has been a valuable opportunity for us to reflect on our journey, celebrate our achievements, and identify ways to continue improving. We are truly grateful to ITEEA and Siemens for promoting excellence in STEM education and providing a platform for schools like ours to evaluate programs, share best practices, and connect with a broader community striving for continued improvement."

As part of this honor, Concordia will receive recognition during the ITEEA 2025 Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. On April 5, 2025, the school will be awarded a STEM School of Excellence Banner during the event's closing general session, allowing for a platform where recognized schools can network and share their successful initiatives in advancing STEM education.

Through its dedication to fostering curiosity, innovation, and technological literacy, Concordia International School Shanghai remains committed to its mission of nurturing bright futures for its students. By continuing to create significant opportunities for engagement in STEM disciplines, the school empowers its students to grow into thoughtful contributors to the global community, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

About Concordia International School Shanghai

Concordia International School Shanghai is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum and a holistic approach to education. The school focuses on nurturing bright futures for its students by providing diverse opportunities for personal, social, and academic growth, preparing them to navigate an ever-evolving world.