The STEM Pulse

NEWSLETTER ISSUE 2 | MARCH 14, 2025

STEM Ecosystem Spotlight

Central 6 STEM Ecosystem Joins the CoP!

Central 6 STEM Learning Ecosystem, led by McWane Science Center, is joining the Global STEM Ecosystems Initiative with a collaborative network spanning six Alabama counties around Birmingham. The Ecosystem empowers nearly 90,000 learners and 6,000 educators through 30 cross-sector partnerships, including schools, businesses, and community organizations. What makes Central 6 unique is their data-driven approach to workforce development, actively engaging communities while creating authentic pathways to STEM education and careers through strategic initiatives like annual STEM events, educator development, and workforce programs addressing local STEM job shortages.

Read the Press Release

THE STEM Talk: Your 30-Minute, Monthly STEM Pulse Check

EPISODE 1: The First 100 Days | March 19, 2025 at 2 pm ET

Join us for an essential conversation with James Brown , Executive Director of the STEM Education Coalition, and Della Cronin of Bose Public Affairs Group as they unpack the "First 100 Days" and their implications across the STEM landscape. A STEM Education Coalition, Bose Public Affairs Group , Afterschool Alliance , Afterschool STEM Hub and STEM Learning Ecosystems , TIES Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM partnership.

Join Us on March 19 at 2:00 pm EST | REGISTER HERE

News & Opportunities

National Science Foundation (NSF) 's Response to Recent Executive Orders | National Science Foundation

The NSF is navigating recent executive orders by resuming proposal reviews and award management while adapting to new efficiency measures. Panels and site visits are now virtual, and the agency is reviewing its Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide (PAPPG) for potential updates. Despite these changes, NSF continues to apply its traditional merit review criteria and supports ongoing research activities, including publishing outcomes from funded projects. The agency is also complying with court orders to maintain continuity in award management.

2025 Beyond100K Trends Report | Beyond100K

The 2025 Trends Report highlights key shifts in STEM education, including the rapid integration of AI, increased focus on mentorship in teacher preparation, and persistent equity challenges. Partners are prioritizing responsible AI implementation, emphasizing its potential to enhance learning while addressing digital equity concerns. Mentorship programs are expanding to support teacher retention and development, particularly for underrepresented groups. Despite funding uncertainties and policy challenges, the report emphasizes the importance of collective action to ensure equitable access to STEM education and drive innovation.

How States Are Expanding Quality Summer Learning Opportunities | Learning Policy Institute

As federal ESSER funding expires, states are reassessing their role in supporting summer learning programs. This report highlights strategies from nine diverse states that have successfully expanded access to high-quality summer programs. Key approaches include setting statewide goals, implementing grant programs, targeting priority student groups, promoting quality programming, and using data effectively. The study provides actionable recommendations for states seeking to sustain and enhance summer learning initiatives, emphasizing the importance of political will, member coalitions, and sustainable funding streams.

Place-Based Systems Change through Bonding and Bridging Capital | Stanford Social Innovation Review

Bonton Farms in Dallas exemplifies a transformative place-based approach to community development. By focusing on both internal "bonding" connections within the neighborhood and external "bridging" connections to broader institutions, Bonton Farms has created a thriving ecosystem. This model emphasizes community engagement, leadership development, and collaborative problem-solving, addressing systemic challenges like poverty and disconnection through innovative solutions such as urban farming, education initiatives, and financial services.

5 Things Everyone Who Cares About Kids Should Know About Their Brains | Forbes

This insightful article reveals five crucial aspects of child brain development that caregivers and educators should understand. It highlights the importance of early life experiences, the role of stress in shaping brain function, and how social-emotional learning impacts cognitive development. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for physical activity to support brain health and the potential for neuroplasticity to adapt and grow throughout childhood. By recognizing these factors, adults can better support children's holistic development.

21st Century Community Learning Centers Overview 2025 | Afterschool Alliance

For over 25 years, 21st Century Community Learning Centers have provided vital afterschool and summer learning opportunities, supporting academic growth and social development for nearly 1.4 million students annually. These programs offer hands-on STEM activities, health education, and career readiness skills, improving student engagement, grades, and attendance. Despite their effectiveness, funding challenges persist, with only one in three grant requests awarded due to intense competition and inflation-adjusted funding levels below those of a decade ago.

A New Vision for Skills-Based Assessment | Educational Testing Service (ETS) Global B.V.

This comprehensive report proposes a transformative shift in educational assessment, moving from traditional academic knowledge to a broader focus on skills-based evaluation. It emphasizes the need to recognize learning acquired through diverse pathways, including non-traditional experiences. The authors outline a comprehensive taxonomy of 30 essential skills for future success, such as adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking. They advocate for innovative assessment methods that capture complex skills with validity and reliability, supporting a holistic approach to education that prepares students for life, work, and civic participation.

Advocacy & Funding Highlights

Continued Changes at Department of Education as Layoffs Proceed | Afterschool Alliance

The U.S. Department of Education has announced significant layoffs, reducing its workforce by nearly 50% since January 2025. Despite these cuts, key programs like the 21st Century Community Learning Centers will continue to receive federal funding. The layoffs primarily affect the Office of Civil Rights and Federal Student Aid, with broader reorganization efforts underway. Meanwhile, there are ongoing discussions about dismantling the Department, though this would require legislative action.

ARM Institute's 25-01 Core-Funded Technology Project Call | ARM Hub (Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing) (ARM) Institute

The ARM Institute has launched its 25-01 Core-Funded Technology Project Call, focusing on four Special Topic Areas: Multi-modal inputs for AI robotics, Rapid Re-Tasking and Robot Agility, Multi-Robot, Multi-Human Collaboration, and Adaptive Real-Time Path Planning and Control. These areas aim to enhance manufacturing efficiency, safety, and flexibility by leveraging AI and robotics advancements. Proposals must be submitted by ARM Institute members, with a concept paper deadline of April 9, 2025.

BioFab Startup Lab: Accelerating Regenerative Manufacturing Innovation | ARMI

The BioFab Startup Lab offers a comprehensive six-month program designed to propel regenerative medicine startups forward. Participants gain access to customized program development, ongoing educational opportunities, and exclusive consulting services to navigate regulatory challenges. The program includes mentorship from industry experts, pitch coaching, leadership development, and connections with key investors. Startups must address unmet medical needs, demonstrate scalable manufacturing capabilities, and have a clear regulatory pathway to be eligible.

National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Directorate Programs | NSF

The NSF's Directorate for Engineering supports over 300 organizations with an annual budget nearing $800 million, focusing on cutting-edge technologies and engineering knowledge creation. Funding opportunities are organized across divisions like CBET, CMMI, ECCS, EEC, and EFMA, each addressing specific engineering disciplines and priorities. The EEC division, for instance, emphasizes engineering education, workforce development, and broadening participation initiatives. Proposals undergo rigorous merit review, ensuring high-quality research and innovation.

Upcoming Events

Hype to Help: AI in Education | Carnegie Learning

Dig into the insights and separate AI hype from reality in this upcoming virtual event, where you'll learn best practices for integrating AI into your teaching practice or role.

Date: March 26, 3 pm ET/12 pm PT Register Here

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