GIFT is a professional development program for Georgia K-12 teachers which provides STEM internships in university research labs, industry, and informal science educational institutions. GIFT, created in 1991, is managed statewide by Georgia Tech's Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics and Computing (CEISMC). GIFT internships are supported by local partnerships throughout Georgia.
GIFT is designed to:
- Immerse teachers in workplace integrated learning;
- Enhance Fellows' mathematics, science, engineering and/or technology skills, content knowledge, and abilities;
- Foster teaching based on inquiry, problem solving and real-world relevance; and
- Foster an increase in student inquiry skills and positive attitudes toward science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
All GIFT experiences share the following core components:
- A mentored and paid summer internship experience in science, mathematics, engineering or technology research and applications;
- Real world context and experiences to build innovative, relevant curricula for use in the classroom, and to promote career awareness for students; and
- Summer and school year professional development meetings, workshops, discussion groups and networking opportunities.
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GIFT teachers find inspiration in Kendeda Building's green spaces
When middle school science teachers Julie Eidson and Karla Lomax signed up to intern in a research lab through the GIFT program, they found inspiration for their classrooms in one of Georgia Tech's most well-known green spaces, the Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design.
Georgia Tech undergraduate explores career options through pre-teaching internships
In his first year at Georgia Tech, mechanical engineering major Daniel Webber had the opportunity to engage with high school students to explore teaching as a possible career choice. During summer 2022, he was the first undergraduate intern to participate in the GIFT program.
