Delaware STEM Program Newsletter: Local Resources and Guide

Delaware may be the smallest state in the country, but its STEM career landscape is disproportionately rich. Chemical science, pharmaceutical research, financial technology, and biotech all have significant Delaware presences. A STEM newsletter that connects classroom learning to those local industries gives Delaware families a concrete understanding of what their student's education is building toward.

The DuPont legacy and chemical science education

DuPont's two-century history in Delaware created a culture of applied chemistry and materials science that persists in the state today. Students who study chemistry in Delaware are studying the foundational discipline of their state's most influential industry. The Hagley Museum in Wilmington, built on DuPont's original powder mill site, offers educational programs that connect industrial chemistry history to modern science.

Corteva Agriscience, which spun out of the DowDuPont merger, also maintains significant Delaware operations and agricultural science research activities that connect to school STEM programs.

Pharmaceutical and biotech careers in Delaware

AstraZeneca's US headquarters is in Wilmington, and Incyte Corporation, a cancer research biotech company, is also based there. For students interested in biology, chemistry, and health sciences, the pharmaceutical industry provides a local career pathway. Lab technician, clinical research associate, and pharmaceutical scientist are all roles that begin with strong high school science and math preparation.

Financial services technology and data science

Delaware's unique corporate and banking law environment has made it home to financial services operations for hundreds of major companies. The result is a significant population of data analysts, software developers, and technology professionals working in the financial sector in the Wilmington area. For students interested in computer science and mathematics, the financial services sector is a less glamorous but highly stable and well-paying career pathway worth mentioning.

University of Delaware STEM partnerships

The University of Delaware runs multiple K-12 STEM outreach programs including the UD STEM Scholars program and various summer institute opportunities. UD's College of Engineering and College of Agriculture and Natural Resources both have strong research programs and faculty who engage with school communities. Delaware State University also has STEM programs with outreach components targeting underrepresented students.

Template: Delaware STEM newsletter excerpt

"This month in chemistry we are studying polymer science, which has deep roots in Delaware. DuPont scientists invented nylon, Kevlar, and Teflon, all of which are polymer materials. Students are doing a hands-on polymer synthesis activity and researching a modern application of polymer science. We also have a materials scientist from a local company visiting in March to talk about careers in chemical research. Students interested in chemistry careers will want to attend."

Delaware science fairs and competitions

Delaware's small size means that statewide science competitions are accessible to students across the state. The Delaware Science and Engineering Fair connects to ISEF for qualifying students. FIRST Robotics Delaware teams compete in mid-Atlantic regionals. Science Olympiad Delaware is competitive. Mentioning competition timelines in newsletters early in the year gives families time to plan their support for students who want to participate.

Daystage makes it easy to send clear, consistent newsletters that keep Delaware families connected to the STEM opportunities available at their school throughout the year.