Pittsburgh has a long history of innovation and philanthropic giving -- two impressive traditions that can help the city shine in the national spotlight once again.

Every day we hear about the importance of improving education in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math), with both government and business sharing a vested interest in cultivating workers with the critical and creative-thinking skills necessary to innovate in today's global marketplace.

In an effort to validate and share best-practice education programs, the U.S. Department of Education recently announced 49 winners of its new Investing in Innovation (i3) grant competition. It plans to disburse $650 million to school districts, universities and nonprofit organizations working to advance the quality of education.

More than $22 million of this funding will come to Pennsylvania through ASSET Inc. (Achieving Student Success Through Excellence in Teaching), which received one of 15 "validation" grants from among 1,698 applicants. ASSET's focus is on improving science and math education in grades K through eight.

This unique nonprofit located on Pittsburgh's South Side is inspired by the belief that teachers are both the targets and agents of change. During the last 15 years, ASSET has provided teachers with cutting-edge professional development and hands-on instructional materials to help students learn science by doing science while gaining confidence in their ability to tackle challenging subjects. Results show that ASSET is working, with students in ASSET classrooms significantly outperforming their peers.

How is a student's curiosity and sense of discovery ignited or extinguished?

Research shows that student interest in STEM subjects is sparked early -- before age 11. Through its inquiry-based programs, ASSET feeds the STEM pipeline at its source: in elementary school. Without building confidence, knowledge and skills early on, many students lose interest before they even reach high school. When this happens, employers lose great potential employees and children lose life options.

The i3 grant will enable ASSET to extend its impact across the state and measure its results -- provided the organization raises a 20 percent private-sector funding match of $4.5 million, a condition with which all grant winners must comply. This is no small feat for a small nonprofit, but one that stands to result in large gains. ASSET is prepared to bring $22 million to our region -- but it needs need our help to make that happen.

The returns on the i3 investment in ASSET would include increases in overall student proficiency, in the numbers of students pursuing STEM careers and in the effectiveness of teachers impacting future generations. The infusion of i3 money also would help stimulate the local and state economy.

Private-sector support is critical to this effort, and we all have a role to play. As a longtime funder of ASSET, The Pittsburgh Foundation encourages the region's corporations, foundations and individuals to support educational improvement and ASSET's i3 award. Together, we can champion a nationally recognized program grown and based right here in Pittsburgh.

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