STEM TECH ALLIANCE Project of the STEM Pipeline Fund Joyce Plotkin

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STEM TECH ALLIANCEProject of the STEM Pipeline
FundJoyce Plotkin Susan Moulton

• STEM SUMMIT
• October 28,2008

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STEMTech Alliance Project Overview

• To increase awareness of STEM subjects and
  careers for middle school students
• Strong business community involvement
• State-wide focus
• A focus on 6th graders
• Three-year project

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Key Partners

• Coalition of 5 major tech associations
• Mass Technology Leadership Council (lead org.)
• Mass BioEd (Mass Biotech Council)
• Mass MEDIC (Medical Device Council)
• Mass NetComms (Telecommunications Council)
• The Engineering Center (umbrella group for 12
  engineering associations)
• Represents 3700 companies, 300,000 employees

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Project Implementation

• STEMTech will recruit STEM professionals to go
  into classrooms to excite students about the
  scope and variety of STEM careers
• Pilot Project Spring 2009
• Full implementation Fall 2009 Spring 2011

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Major Activities

• Research understand how middle school students
  feel about STEM courses and careers
• Theme Messaging work with Arnold Advertising,
  premier Boston firm
• STEM Guide develop best practices for schools
  and businesses to work together
• STEM Ambassadors recruit STEM professionals
  from 5 tech association partners

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Progress First 6 months

• Research completed and report written
• Student reactions to STEM subjects
• Student perceptions of a good job
• Middle school students learning styles
• Elements of a successful classroom visit

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Progress -continued

• Theme Branding - Arnold Advertising (pro bono)
• Brainstormed names, logos, look, tagline to
  appeal to students - completed
• Testing several names/looks with teachers and
  students in process
• Refining final theme and brand math

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Next Six Months

• Finalize brand
• Complete STEM Guide
• Recruit first group of STEM Ambassadors
• Develop training and materials
• Identify 10-15 schools for pilot project 6th
  grade - Volunteers???

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Pilot Project

• Pilot project participants will
• Partner with Ambassador before the visit
• Schedule one class period for visit (math or
  science)
• Prepare students for classroom visits (company
  research)
• Provide feedback to Project after visit
• STEMTech will
• Work with teachers and administrators to plan,
  implement, and evaluate visits
• Provide supplemental materials and resources
• Integrate teacher feedback into program design
  prior to statewide rollout

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Will You Help Us?

• Will you
• Volunteer to participate in our pilot?
• Complete our survey?
• Give us your dos and donts for classroom
  visits?