Arkansas STEM Coalition to lead the Arkansas STEM Ecosystem Initiative!
A STEM Learning Ecosystem encompasses schools, community settings such as after-school and summer programs, science centers and museums, and informal experiences at home and in a variety of environments that together constitute a rich array of learning opportunities for young people. A learning ecosystem harnesses the unique contributions of all these different settings in symbiosis to deliver STEM learning for all children. Designed pathways enable young people to become engaged, knowledgeable and skilled in the STEM disciplines as they progress through childhood into adolescence and early adulthood.
Launched in 2019, the STEM Learning Ecosystems Discussion Series features conversations with Ecosystem leaders from around the world about the most pressing topics facing their communities today. Topics of high interest were identified through survey data and the self-assessment, Ecosystems Indicator Tool (EIT).
The guide highlights five key topics: business engagement, communications, governance, programs & initiatives and fundraising. For each topic, the guide provides concrete examples from leaders representing a variety of STEM Learning Ecosystems, key takeaways, webinars available for playback and more. Learn More
Since 2010, the Arkansas STEM Coalition has served as a convener and catalyst for quality STEM education and career-connected learning in Arkansas. As the backbone organization for the Arkansas STEM Ecosystem Initiative, the STEM Coalition brings together cross-sector partners to fulfill the vision that Arkansas is a state where all people have equal access and opportunity to engage in quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning experiences that increase their ability to succeed in education, career, and community, leading to a vibrant and dynamic economy. Learn more
Mission Statement-
The mission of the Arkansas STEM Ecosystem is to cultivate innovative opportunities for educators, students, communities, business and industry to build a competitive Arkansas workforce and economy.
Vision Statement –
By December 31, 2023, the Arkansas STEM Ecosystem envisions a state where all people have equal access and opportunity to engage in quality science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning experiences that increase their ability to succeed in education, career, and community, leading to a vibrant and dynamic economy.
Arkansas STEM Ecosystem Partners
- Arkansas Community Foundation
- Arkansas Department of Workforce Services
- Arkansas Discovery Network / Arkansas Museum of Discovery
- Arkansas Division of Career Education
- Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Arkansas Division of Higher Education Arkansas Economic Development Commission
- Arkansas Educational Services Cooperatives (15)
- Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN)
- Arkansas Network of 12 STEM Centers
- Arkansas Out of School Network (Statewide Afterschool Network)
- Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub
- Clinton School of Public Service EAST Initiative
- Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas
- Little Rock Zoo
- Northwest Arkansas STEM Ecosystem
- The Generator Innovation Hub/ Go Forward Pine Bluff
- Scott Family Amazeum
- University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture| 4H Youth Development
- University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College
- Women’s Foundation of Arkansas
- Various industry leaders across the state also support our work, including Aerojet Rocketdyne, US Bank, Union Pacific, Hytrol Conveyor, eSCO Processing and Recycling, Dassault Falcon Jet, Molex, Brady Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Baldwin and Shell, Future Fuel, Suddenlink, Lewis Architects and Engineers.