First Look at the 2024 SLECoP Convening Speakers!

Exciting news! We're thrilled to give you a first look at some of the distinguished speakers joining us for the 2024 SLECoP Convening in Chicago, IL, October 29-31st, including leaders in STEM, futurism, and technology. This is just the beginning – stay tuned for more speaker announcements coming soon, and don't miss this opportunity to engage with innovators shaping the future of STEM education and workforce development.

Register for the 2024 SLECoP Convening Today!

News & Opportunities

FACT SHEETS: Raising the Bar Across America State by State I U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education has released state-by-state fact sheets highlighting the impact of the Raise the Bar: Lead the World initiative on education across America. These fact sheets detail specific investments and improvements in education for each state, showcasing efforts to enhance educational opportunities nationwide. Learn more.

Exploring Elementary Teachers' STEM Self-Efficacy | School Science and Mathematics

This study investigates the factors influencing elementary teachers' STEM self-efficacy and their impact on STEM instruction. The research highlights the importance of professional development and administrative support in enhancing teachers' confidence in STEM education.

Research Infrastructure for Equity in Informal Science Learning | Knology

Knology is developing a research infrastructure to advance equity in informal science learning (ISL) through a National Science Foundation-funded initiative. The project aims to create tools and technologies that foster collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and community organizations, addressing barriers such as resource constraints, relationship-building challenges, and weaknesses in existing research infrastructure. Read more.

Knology is interested in hearing your perspectives on research to advance equity in informal science learning. The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. All responses are completely anonymous. Survey Link.

NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance Awards | NatCast

The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has announced anticipated awards totaling $115 million for its Workforce Partner Alliance initiative. This funding aims to support partnerships between industry, academia, and government to enhance the U.S. semiconductor workforce and address critical skills gaps in the semiconductor industry.

Advocacy & Funding Highlights

America’s Seed Fund Office Hours | NSF

America’s Seed Fund powered by the U.S. National Science Foundation focuses on transforming scientific and engineering discoveries into products and services with commercial and societal impact. Each year, we award $200+ million in research and development (R&D) funding to about 400 startups across the United States. We invite you to attend a virtual question and answer session titled Office Hours: Intro to America’s Seed Fund at NSF: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2-3 p.m. EDT. In this session, an NSF Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) program director will answer questions about how to get started, the basics of eligibility, and what we look for when we review Project Pitches. REGISTER

Small Businesses Awarded Nearly $5 Million | U.S. Department of Commerce

This week, the Department of Commerce awarded almost $5 million to small businesses for developing new CHIPS technology. This funding aims to bring innovative semiconductor technologies to the commercial market, supporting the growth of the domestic chip industry.

NASA STEM Engagement Opportunities | NASA

NASA's Engagement Opportunities in NASA STEM (EONS) program offers a range of education and research opportunities to support NASA STEM projects. The program issues specific opportunities throughout the year as appendices to the main solicitation, with proposals submitted through the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) website.

Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program I U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights (OEJECR)

This program aims to transform disadvantaged communities across the United States into healthy, climate resilient, and thriving communities. It will fund community-driven projects that address climate challenges, reduce pollution, and strengthen communities through collaborative efforts. The grants focus on providing resources for environmental and climate justice initiatives, investing in cross-sectoral collaborations, unlocking additional resources, empowering communities, and strengthening community participation in government decision-making processes.

Eligibility: Eligible applicants include partnerships between: Two community-based non-profit organizations (CBOs), or a CBO and one of the following: a Federally recognized Tribe, a local government, or an institution of higher education (including Minority Serving Institutions)

Award: Approximately $2 billion; Number of Projects: Track I: Approximately 150 awards; Track II - $10-20 million each (not exceeding $20 million): Approximately 20 awards - $1-3 million each (not exceeding $3 million)

Submission Due Date: Applications accepted on a rolling basis until November 21, 2024, at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time)

Spotlight on STEM Ecosystems

Riverside County STEM Ecosystem

STEPCon24, celebrating its 25th Anniversary, is set to take place in the Inland Empire on October 10, November 6, and November 7, 2024, at the Bourns Technology Center in Riverside. The event will feature three distinct conferences aimed at students, educators, and counselors, offering hands-on STEM experiences, professional development, and guidance on STEM career pathways. This premier STEM education event aims to inspire the next generation of innovators while equipping educators and counselors with essential tools and insights for fostering interest in STEM fields.

North Dakota STEM Ecosystem

The recent AI Summit held on September 17 at New Town Schools on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota gathered over 150 educators, community leaders, and AI experts to discuss the integration of artificial intelligence in education. The summit focused on leveraging AI to enhance student success, empower educators, and prepare students for future workforce demands, with sessions covering topics such as AI classroom integration, ethical considerations, and the fundamentals of quantum computing. Participants engaged in collaborative discussions, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that underrepresented communities benefit from AI advancements while addressing challenges like resource limitations and the need for extensive training. STEM Ecosystem Website.

Northeast Florida Regional STEM2 Hub, Inc.

Dr. Rick Surrency, the superintendent of Putnam County School District, emphasizes the importance of STEM education in small, rural school districts to prepare students for future careers and global challenges. The article highlights how the district has developed partnerships with non-profit organizations and local businesses to provide STEM opportunities for K-12 students, igniting their passion for learning and improving graduation rates. STEM education in rural areas is crucial for fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and technological literacy, while also bridging gaps in educational equity and preparing students for careers that may not yet exist. STEM Ecosystem Website

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