ST. LOUIS – St. Louis is embarking on creating an ecosystem of collaborative partners dedicated to making science, technology, engineering and math – or STEM – an everyday part of learning from birth through college and career.
To do so, a group of people and organizations committed to building equitable access to high-quality STEM learning for all students in the St. Louis Metro region have launched the new STEMSTL ecosystem. This group is seeking two individuals to lead efforts to create and sustain the ecosystem. The new positions will work within BioSTL, St. Louis’ bioscience industry builder. On behalf of the St. Louis region, BioSTL secured membership in, and technical support from, the STEM Learning Systems Initiative.
This national effort aims to make a significant impact on STEM education and workforce development. It provides a structured, two-year community alignment process to create systemic change that will mean more students, particularly underserved and underrepresented students, develop the STEM knowledge and skills they need to learn and thrive in today’s globally-connected, tech-driven world.
“St. Louis is working toward an economic renaissance by capitalizing on its strengths in science and innovation. It is imperative that jobs and opportunities in STEM sectors are accessible in an equitable way to individuals across the St. Louis region,” said Ben Johnson, Vice President, Programs at BioSTL. “With assistance from STEM Ecosystems, we can harness and link existing STEM programs in St. Louis and tailor quality STEM learning opportunities to our specific regional needs.”
To advance STEM learning in St. Louis, BioSTL will bring on a Champion to convene stakeholders, build networks and influence positive outcomes within STEMSTL, as well as a Catalyst to manage day-to-day operations. Guiding principles of STEMSTL include: a youth-centered focus, a commitment to transparency, information sharing, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.
Early plans for the St. Louis Ecosystem include opening dialogue with those who wish to participate and help shape the vision of how a comprehensive, equitable STEM Ecosystem in St. Louis would develop. If that is you, please sign up online (http://stemstl.org/participate/). By engaging a large, diverse group, the design studios will help to set key priorities around focus areas that include:
Interested individuals and firms can learn more about the Champion and Catalyst job opportunities online at stemstl.org/careers.
STEMSTL includes the following initial partners:
BioSTL | Engineering Center of St. Louis | Harris-Stowe State University | James S. McDonnell Family Foundation | Missouri Math and Science Coalition (Missouri Chamber of Commerce) | National Society of Black Engineers – St. Louis | Parents as Teachers | SCOPE National | Saint Louis University | STEMPact | St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) | St. Louis Community College | Saint Louis Science Center | St. Louis Student Robotics Association | Washington University Institute for School Partnership.
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