Creating world changers: CIA Mission Possible: Operation Advance Technology contest awards five teachers $60,000 each

June 2, 2023

Imagine the possibilities your child’s teacher would have with $60,000 in advanced educational technology. From upgraded computers to teaching aids that let students’ dreams become reality, $60,000 can go far in building students’ confidence and introducing them to career opportunities. Now imagine what the possibilities could be if teachers all over the country had $60,000 to advance their educational technology. With the CIA Mission Possible: Operation Advance Technology contest, those possibilities have become a reality. From New Jersey to Montana, five teachers across the United States have been awarded $60,000 in laptops and other advanced technology to engage their students with science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). To enter the contest, these teachers submitted short videos creatively illustrating the need and possible uses for advanced technology in their school.

Chicago teacher Kyle Nowicki, who teaches at Little Village Elementary School, plans to use his $60,000 to upgrade the school’s 3D printer. His wish for his students is that they are encouraged to create, invent and innovate in his classroom from a young age.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was hoping and hoping and hoping,” Nowicki said. “We’re trying to expose our students to as many different avenues of STEM as possible. We want to make sure we’re giving them the resources, whether it be coding, whether it be stop motion film and whether it be logo design, they need technology to complete that.”

Tiffany Pace’s students were almost as happy as she was when she was surprised by her $60,000 check. Pace teaches at Cross Lanes Elementary School in Charleston, West Virginia. Pace plans to use her prize to teach her students coding and give them the opportunity to collaborate with students around the world.

“We try to provide every opportunity possible to ensure our students will have success,” said Pace, who could barely contain her excitement. “And with Operation Advance Technology, we’re going to create world changers. They don’t have to wait until later to become world changers, they can change the world today.”

Huntley Project Junior High School teacher Brandi Norman wants to introduce her students to STEM careers. Huntley Project is in Worden, Montana.

“I’m a firm believer that the more we put in the hands of teachers, it further opens kids’ eyes to what they can and can’t do and stomps some of those stigmas of ‘I can’t do that,’” Norman said.

Davila Middle School teacher Amanda Petty from Bryan, Texas, is excited to have new technology to make her students excited to learn.

“I’m super passionate about introducing coding and new sources of technology to the classroom,” Petty said. “Any time we can get science or technology or experiences in a new way to reinforce science concepts and ideas, it’s going to work.”

Hanan Attiyah, who teaches at Francis A. Desmares Elementary School, is passionate about using technology to engage her students. The Flemington, New Jersey, teacher works hard every day to introduce new technology to her students and get them excited about learning, said her principal.

“Our students are 40% socioeconomically disadvantaged,” said Attiyah. “They will be able to access materials and technology tools that put them at the forefront for 21^st century learning skills and 21^st century learning careers.”

Mission Possible: Operation Advanced Technology is sponsored by the CIA with the goal of helping to improve STEAM education in schools.

“STEAM education is one of the best ways to prepare students for future careers that will require problem-solving skills, self-exploration and perseverance,” said ORISE Associate Manager Jennifer Tyrell. “By making advanced technology accessible to students from a young age, we can boost their education and expose them to skills that will help them throughout their lives.”

You can learn more about Mission Possible: Operation Advanced Technology at https://orise.orau.gov/cia-operation-tech/.