Igniting Rural Innovation: STEM Ecosystems and Ecospheres Transforming America's Heartland

Rural America faces significant challenges in STEM education, including limited access to advanced courses and resources, but innovative collaborations are transforming this landscape. STEM Ecosystems are emerging as powerful drivers of change, connecting schools, businesses, and community organizations to provide enhanced learning opportunities across diverse rural regions. Communities of Practice, exemplified by initiatives like the Rural STEM Ecosphere, are further amplifying these efforts by fostering connections between educators, program directors, and policymakers, creating a nationwide network of rural innovation in STEM learning and workforce development. Read more.

News & Opportunities

Pre-College STEM Programs Playbook I STEM PUSH

The STEM PUSH Network partners with regional STEM Learning Ecosystems to recruit pre-college STEM programs (PCSPs) from their membership of nonprofits, museums, schools, afterschool/summer programs, and more. Ecosystems help connect PCSPs to higher ed institutions, admissions professionals, pedagogy experts, and others, building the relationships necessary to drive systems-level change in post-secondary admissions. Currently participating STEM Ecosystems.

Learning Science in Informal Environments I National Academies

The report "Learning Science in Informal Environments: People, Places, and Pursuits" explores the dynamic role of informal settings in enhancing STEM learning by leveraging community resources and experiences. Gain insights into how these environments foster engagement and creativity, offering practical recommendations for educators and policymakers to maximize their impact. ONLINE MEETING: August 28, 2024, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Registration Information

NEW Resource Database I CYESS

The Center for Youth Engagement in Science and Society (CYESS) now offers a comprehensive collection of resources for engaging youth in science and society. These resources are categorized into three main sections:

1. Engagement Resources: This section provides tools and guides for effectively involving young people in science and society discussions. It includes resources on youth engagement strategies, facilitation techniques, and best practices for creating inclusive environments.
2. Science Resources: Here, users can find materials related to various scientific topics and concepts. These resources are designed to help educators and facilitators explain complex scientific ideas to young audiences in an accessible and engaging manner.
3. Society Resources: This category offers materials that explore the intersection of science and society. It includes resources on science policy, ethics, and the societal implications of scientific advancements.

Advocacy & Funding Highlights

32 Awardees to Develop and Grow Industry-Led Workforce Training Partnerships I EDA

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration announced grants to 32 workforce training partnerships across 31 states and Puerto Rico as part of the $500 million Good Jobs Challenge funded by the American Rescue Plan. These initiatives aim to place over 50,000 workers into quality jobs by developing industry-led training systems that promote regional competitiveness and equitable economic growth, particularly benefiting underserved communities. Learn more about awardees and their funded projects.

YouthBuild I Grant - Department of Labor

The YouthBuild grant program will award competitive grants to organizations offering pre-apprenticeship services to opportunity youth aged 16 to 24, focusing on education, skills training, and community service. This program emphasizes construction skills and can include training in other in-demand industries.

Award information: $99,000,000, 75 expected awards between $700K-1.5 million

Eligibility: Single College Institutions; Consortium of College Institutions

Application Submission Date: September 18, 2024

Strengthening Community Colleges Training I Grant - Department of Labor

This grant program is to build community colleges’ capacity to meet the skill development needs of employers and equitably support students in obtaining good jobs in in-demand industries. Grantees will develop career pathways programs that show evidence of positive employment outcomes.

Award information: $65,000,000, 15 expected awards between $1.5-$5.8 million

Eligibility: Multiple entities are eligible; see award notification

Application Submission Date: September 24, 2024

Spotlight on STEM Ecosystems

Idaho STEM Ecosystem

STEM Day at the Western Idaho State Fair, coordinated by SWISH Regional Hub Coordinator and LEAD STEM Fellow, ReBekha Lulu, brought together numerous partners to enhance the event's impact and engagement. Organizations like the Idaho Out of School Network, One Stone Inc., and Micron Technology contributed to making this year's STEM Day a success, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the local STEM community.

Colorado STEM Ecosystem

The Colorado STEM Ecosystem utilizes a Kumu data visualization tool to map and display the connections among its members, highlighting their collaborations and resources. This visualization allows users to filter by sector, STEM programming, region, and specific needs, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the network's structure and dynamics. Now they are talking it on the road!

CONASTEM

Ecosystem lead and LEAD STEM Fellow, Jairo Botero recently shared two value creation stories about the impact of the CSO programming in Colombia. Juan Pablo is a technology teacher from the city of Cali and was a mentor for the 2023 cohort. Mariana is a student at Gimnasio Bilingue Campestre Marie Curie School and had the opportunity to be part of the 2023 cohort in the Bogotá location in Colombia.?The value creation framework by Wenger-Trayner emphasizes social learning as a means to make a meaningful difference, focusing on active participant engagement and evaluation to enhance learning capabilities and outcomes.

Whether you're an educator inspiring young minds, a policymaker shaping the landscape of STEM education, or an industry partner bridging classroom learning with real-world applications, your role in our Ecosystems is vital. Together, we're not just adapting to the future—we're actively creating it. Stay connected at www.stemecosystems.org