NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ASHBURN, VA (October 22, 2024) — JASON Learning, a leading nonprofit committed to advancing STEM education through innovative curricula and professional development, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Region 4 Education Service Center (ESC) in Texas. This exciting collaboration is set to enhance science education and foster a culture of innovation in classrooms across the region, empowering thousands of students and educators in Texas.
Starting this fall, educators within Region 4 ESC will gain access to the exclusive Region 4 content, Gateways to Science, on the JASON Digital Platform for a fee of $25 per teacher. Additionally, educators will have the option to access JASON Learning’s comprehensive library at a discounted rate through a bundling offer. The JASON Digital Platform boasts interactive resources, real-world challenges, and dynamic STEM content, all developed in collaboration with leading scientists, professionals, and researchers.
“This partnership with JASON Learning is just the beginning. By making Region 4’s trusted science resources more accessible, we’re opening the door to even greater opportunities for Texas educators and students. There’s so much more to come as we continue expanding and innovating, delivering even more engaging tools and experiences via JASON Learning to classrooms across the state.”
Edrice Bell, Director, Science/Social Studies and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Region 4 ESC
The first lesson available from the Gateways to Science collection is called Safety and is designed specifically for kindergarten students. In this module, young learners explore important safety practices both inside and outside the classroom. The lesson emphasizes the “whys and hows” of science, fostering a deeper understanding of safe behavior. Gateways to Science is an engaging, age-appropriate STEM collection that introduces students to scientific concepts through real-world applications, building a strong foundation for future learning.
As part of this partnership, JASON Learning will actively engage with Region 4’s Science Leadership Networks and participate in the Region 4 ESC Science Conference as both a guest speaker and vendor.
Looking ahead to Spring 2025, JASON Learning and Region 4 ESC will jointly launch a District-Level STEM Design Challenge Competition. This collaborative initiative is designed to inspire creativity and enhance problem-solving skills among students. Community partners will be invited to serve as judges, offering diverse perspectives on the innovative solutions proposed by students. The design challenges will encourage students to address real-world problems using their skills, tools, and materials.
“We are excited to partner with Region 4 ESC to bring innovative STEM resources to educators and students. Our combined efforts will provide educators with the essential tools, resources, and professional development needed to ignite a passion for science in their students.”
Dr. Eleanor Smalley, President & CEO, JASON Learning
The partnership between JASON Learning and Region 4 ESC is poised for future expansion, with plans to develop additional educational resources and broaden networking opportunities. Both organizations will continue to collaborate on new initiatives, adapting to feedback and evolving educational needs.
For more information about the JASON Learning and Region 4 ESC partnership and to stay updated on upcoming events, please visit https://jason.org/ or contact Lori Bedsole at lbedsole@jason.org.
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About JASON Learning
JASON Learning is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through real-world STEM curricula, project-based learning experiences for PreK-12 students, and high-quality professional development for teachers. JASON’s mission is to “inspire and educate students everywhere through real science and exploration.” To learn more about JASON, visit https://jason.org/.
JASON Media Contact: Jenna Davis, jdavis@jason.org.
About Region 4 Education Service Center
Region 4 Education Service Center (Region 4), located in Houston, Texas, is one of 20 regional education service centers established by the Texas Legislature in 1967. The purpose of the service centers is to assist school districts in improving student performance, to enable school districts to operate more efficiently and economically, and to implement initiatives assigned by the Texas Legislature or Commissioner of Education. As the largest Texas education service center, Region 4 provides services to 48 school districts and 43 charter schools, representing more than 1.2 million students and 111,000 professional educators. Region 4 provides nationally recognized professional development, technical assistance services, and high-quality, economical products for school districts and charter schools. To learn more about Region 4 ESC, visit https://www.esc4.net/.
