Building a Brighter Future through STEM Education
In the heart of northwest Pennsylvania, the Kane Area School District is pioneering a hands-on, future-forward approach to education, powered by Woz ED STEM resources and a team of passionate educators. What began as a conversation during the pandemic between High School Principal, Todd Stanko, and the district superintendent has since evolved into a dynamic STEM program that’s igniting curiosity, confidence, and career potential in students across grades 6–12.
With growing momentum and a vision to eventually expand into elementary levels, Kane’s STEM journey is a shining example of how innovation, community roots, and inspired teaching can transform student lives.
Building a STEM Pipeline
Kane is a tight-knit community that values educational opportunity, and the school district reflects that spirit. With a focused investment in science, technology, engineering, and math, Kane Area School District has committed to equipping students with the tools, technology, and thinking they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. From middle school specials classes to advanced high school electives, the district is methodically building a STEM pipeline that’s designed to grow alongside its students.
Programming Rooted in Real-World Skills
The STEM programming at Kane Middle School, led by Raymond Maze, ensures every student receives foundational exposure. Sixth graders dive into stop-motion animation and explore robotics with Spheros and drones, while seventh graders use 3D printers and build more advanced drone technology. By eighth grade, students step outside—literally—for an environmental engineering unit that utilizes the forest and stream just 30 yards from the school. “They’re just starting to discover what excites them,” says Maze, “and you see them start to light up with possibility.”
At the high school, Matthew Bodamer brings a unique perspective from his years in the aerospace engineering and manufacturing industries. After earning his teaching certification, Bodamer returned to his hometown just as Kane was launching its STEM program. His first year was spent gathering resources; now, the fully equipped STEM lab is buzzing with activity.
Students in grades 9-12 explore courses in engineering and 3D modeling, robotics, artificial intelligence, animation, cybersecurity, electrical circuits, and drone technology—including DGI racing drones used for filmmaking and mechanical design. Using tools like AutoDesk and learning the engineering design process, students engage in real-world problem-solving that connects their coursework to emerging careers.
The Impact of STEM: Confidence, Curiosity, and Collaboration
The effect of STEM education in Kane has been nothing short of transformative. While new technologies can initially intimidate students, they quickly find their footing—and often, their passion. “In terms of middle school STEM, the response has been astronomical,” says Maze. “Students who might struggle with traditional classroom settings come into the lab and absolutely thrive.”
Cross-departmental collaboration has also grown, with conversations about how art department might integrate animation and design elements, making STEM more co-curricular and inclusive. The hands-on, project-based structure fosters a culture of inquiry, autonomy, and resilience—where students are encouraged to experiment, fail, and try again. “Sometimes the teacher doesn’t even know the answer,” says Bodamer, “and that’s okay. The students are figuring it out for themselves.”
Looking Ahead And Finding Purpose
The district’s long-term goal is to build a STEM foundation starting at the elementary level, ensuring that by the time students reach middle and high school, they’re prepared to go deeper and specialize further. That scaffolding, currently in the works, reflects Kane’s commitment to creating lasting educational impact—one that spans age groups and ability levels.
For these educators, the “why” is clear and personal.
For Bodamer, it’s about offering students real-world insights and making meaningful connections:
“It’s the relationships that matter. Helping students see the possibilities, working side-by-side with them—that’s what drives me.”
Maze finds purpose in guiding students just as they begin to discover themselves.
“They’re so moldable at this age. You can really see the moment when something clicks and they start to envision their future.”
And for Principal Stanko, who helped launch the program and continues to champion its growth, it’s about witnessing transformation:
“The one thing I think is so neat is that you walk in there and you witness a student that you wouldn’t expect accomplish something incredible—and it’s this idea that their teachers and the materials they’re working with have brought out some inner gift.”
At Kane, STEM education isn’t just about circuits, code, or drones—it’s about unlocking potential. And thanks to the dedication of educators and the support of Woz ED resources, that potential is becoming reality, one student at a time.
