MAST@FIU Celebrates Construction Kick-off for New School at Biscayne Bay Campus

MAST@FIU Celebrates Construction Kick-off for New School at Biscayne Bay Campus

In a sunlit room overlooking Biscayne Bay, Superintendent of Schools, Alberto Carvalho and FIU President, Mark Rosenberg recently joined district staff, university representatives, parents and students to celebrate the commencement of the construction process that would result in a permanent facility for the MAST@FIU. This highly anticipated event, which was marked by the unveiling of an informational sign near the construction site of the new school, provides further evidence about the vitality of the longstanding partnership between Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) and Florida International University (FIU), according to both educational leaders.

The Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST) began its existence in 2013. The school is one of 500 magnet choice options available to parents and students in Miami-Dade. It is the only public high school in Florida that enjoys a collaborative partnership with a public university. Located on the Biscayne Bay Campus of FIU, the MAST@FIU is the only STEM-based magnet school in M-DCPS that focuses on Marine and Environmental Sciences. Because of its unique location, it serves an academically gifted, vibrant and diverse student population from 43 different countries. Enrollment is capped at 500 and students must meet a rigorous set of academic and behavioral requirements to apply to the school. Student admission is based on eligibility and students are selected randomly through the district magnet admissions process. One selected, students must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 in all high school and university courses. Enrollment at the MAST @ FIU gives students an opportunity to complete up to two years of a college credit during their four years of high school.

The mission of the school is to graduate students who possess the knowledge, skills and habits of mind necessary to work and live in the 21st century global environment, i.e., academically prepared for entrance into the State’s university system and workforce and proficient thinkers and problem solvers who are aware of world events and cultures and global dynamics. The mission incorporates a set of goals that are designed to increase the number of students interested in pursuing STEM programs; increase the number of students who successfully graduate with multiple Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment credits; and increase the number and percentages of students who successfully graduate and are employed in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEM) related careers.

The school’s curriculum and instruction demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instruction. For example, language arts teachers incorporate the processes of research and technical writing and include science topics and concepts in the creation of creative literary pieces. Math teachers include statistical analysis and interpretation of data and teachers in social studies incorporate science and technology in the exploration of historical, current and future events and issues. A strong theme of this school entails developing students’ ability to communicate orally and in writing about mathematics, science, technology, and environmental stewardship. Emphasis on the arts and new technologies ensure that students are able to share their research findings with all stakeholders in an effective and environmentally responsible manner.

Students are currently engaged in environmental research to better understand the impact of sea level rise in Florida. Their work with the “Eyes on the Rise” project with the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, the College of Arts and Science at FIU and the development of the Student Environmental Advocacy (SEA) Corps in 2015 indicate that our students clearly understand that rising sea level impacts not only the fresh water reserves in the Everglades and the biological species that rely on the vitality of that ecosystem but the quality of life for all Florida residents. FIU researchers and MAST students are conducting research and contributing to the body of knowledge in the overall effort to bring solutions that are environmentally and economically feasible today.

In his address to the audience, Dr. Matthew Welker, Principal of the MAST@FIU remarked that in the three years since its inception, the school has been recognized as national leader in STEM education for its work in marine and environmental sciences and has been designated as a School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America for its innovated educational programming, rigorous instruction and exemplary students. We graduate our first class of seniors this year, he further commented. This group of pioneers has experienced many new and exciting opportunities as a result of their enrollment at the MAST@FIU including the construction of an electric mini-car that was raced at the FIA Formula E Championship in Miami as well as shark tagging in the Florida Gulfstream. Welker further remarked that the pending construction of a permanent facility for the MAST@FIU provides another wonderful opportunity for our students to work with representatives from FIU and M-DCPS to engage and understand the design principles and construction criteria that are used in building a modern public high school in an era of diminishing natural resources and rising sea level. The purposeful design and construction of a new school facility based on these criteria will not only provide a model for others to emulate at a time when few examples exist but also galvanize public support for future construction of this kind. It will also represent a source of pride for students, parents and representatives of both institutions.

The MAST@FIU is located at 3000 N.E. 151st Street, North Miami, FL 33181. For further information, contact the principal at 305-919-4451 or visit http://mastfiu.dadeschools.net. Applications are being accepted at http://yourchoicemiami.com.


Connect To Your Customers & Grow Your Business

Click Here