Ron Ottinger, Executive Director of the STEM Next Opportunity Fund, He speaks on how the COVID-19 pandemic caused “tragic” damage to the education of America’s children

The COVID-19 pandemic caused “tragic” damage to the education of America’s children on par with the devastating impact of World War II, declares Ron Ottinger, a national leader and expert in STEM learning.  Ottinger, Executive Director of the STEM Next Opportunity Fund, is a special guest on the new episode of the Let’s Talk STEM with Dr. Calvin Mackie podcast. Ottinger maintains that organizations on the ground, such as Boys and Girls Clubs and others that provide afterschool programs, are essential in getting kids back in those programs and engaged with learning.  He noted, however, that the pandemic and rising prices has left many parents struggling to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads.