Working Groups

A STEM Ecosystem Working Group is a collaborative team of educators, industry leaders, community partners, and policymakers working together to create quitable, accessible, and engaging STEM learning opportunities for students. These groups focus on aligning education, workforce needs, and community resources to provide hands-on, real-world experiences that prepare students for future careers. Through strategic partnerships, they develop initiatives such as career events, mentorship programs, and industry-aligned learning experiences, ensuring that STEM education is inclusive, innovative, and impactful both inside and outside the classroom.

Aligned Teaching and Learning

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The Aligned Teaching & Learning Working Group plays a crucial role in bridging in-school and out-of-school learning by ensuring STEM education is seamless, engaging, and progressive across all learning environments. This group focuses on integrating classroom instruction with afterschool and summer programs, reinforcing STEM concepts through hands-on, real-world experiences that also foster social-emotional development. A key initiative is the implementation of a K-12 Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach by 2026, ensuring 100% of students engage in real-world problem-solving projects annually. These projects will be designed in collaboration with teachers, local businesses, and community organizations, allowing students to explore emerging STEM technologies and career pathways. The impact of this initiative will be measured by the engagement of teachers in professional development and the number of students participating in PBLs, driving a transformative shift in STEM education and workforce readiness.

Systems

The Systems Working Group plays a vital role in establishing and sustaining the infrastructure needed for a thriving STEM Learning Ecosystem. This group focuses on bringing together cross-sector partners with clear leadership roles and well-defined systems of communication. By ensuring that all stakeholders understand the common vision and their role within the ecosystem, the group fosters collaboration and resource-sharing that benefits the entire community. A key priority is creating systems that promote equity, access, and opportunity for all learners and families. Through these efforts, the Systems Working Group strengthens the foundation of the ecosystem, making STEM education more effective, inclusive, and sustainable.

Workforce

The Workforce Working Group is dedicated to strengthening the connection between education and industry by ensuring students are prepared for the evolving demands of the workforce. A key initiative is hosting an educator summit, where industry leaders will provide professional learning sessions focused on the essential skills needed for success across various industries. This summit will foster lasting partnerships between educators and industry representatives, enhancing workforce readiness in education. The group also works to create clear postsecondary and career pathways that align with local employer demand and regional economic development. By mapping out all available career pathways, students and families will have a better understanding of their options for success. Additionally, the group collaborates with businesses, industry leaders, and government partners to ensure that STEM education remains relevant to future career trends and innovations, positioning students for success in an increasingly competitive job market.

Partnerships

The Partnerships Working Group focuses on building strong, cross-sector collaborations among all STEM stakeholders to create a thriving learning ecosystem. This group brings together families, educators, businesses, postsecondary institutions, nonprofit organizations, museums, cultural institutions, and government agencies to ensure that STEM learning is integrated throughout the community. By including all partners in the design of learning experiences and the spaces where learning happens—such as schools, libraries, parks, and workplaces—this group reinforces the belief that learning takes place everywhere. A key focus is maintaining equity at the core of all partnerships, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all learners and that community organizations uphold inclusive and anti-racist policies. Through these efforts, the Partnerships Working Group strengthens connections that expand STEM learning opportunities and workforce readiness for all students.

Measurement and Evaluation

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The Measurement and Data Working Group is committed to strengthening communication and collaboration among STEM ecosystem stakeholders—including schools, businesses, community organizations, and parents—to improve program outcomes and foster meaningful partnerships. This group focuses on both measurement and evaluation as essential processes for managing and improving STEM initiatives. Measurement provides valuable insights for funders, nonprofits, and impact investors, ensuring strategic clarity, equity, inclusion, and innovation. Evaluation, on the other hand, assesses the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and sustainability of programs, promoting accountability and continuous improvement. By leveraging data-driven decision-making, the Measurement and Data Working Group ensures that STEM learning experiences are impactful, equitable, and aligned with community needs.

If you’re interested in getting plugged into this initiative, complete the Working Group Interest Form and working group lead will follow up with you:

Aligned Teaching & Learning/Measurement & Evaluation – Dottye Armstrong (darmstrong@oxboe.com)
Partnership – Sherita Hayes (shayes@oxboe.com)
Systems & Communications – Kelli Howard (khoward@oxboe.com)
Workforce – Bill Whaley (william_whaley@na.honda.com), Danielle Presley (danielle.presley@nfigroup.com), & Valerie Curtis (vcurtis@jsu.edu)

With these efforts, we are creating a powerful network of educators, industry leaders, and community partners to expand STEM career awareness and workforce readiness. Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this initiative to life!