Students across Washington are talented, creative,
and resilient thinkers and doers.
At Washington STEM, we invest in community solutions.
We make big bets to advance scalable ideas.
And we pursue equity relentlessly,
so that every student in Washington
can benefit from a great STEM education.
STEM is much more than Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Math.
It's about critical thinking, problem solving, creativity,
and cultural competence to thrive in the 21st century.
We ought to be proud of what we're doing and Washington STEM
Is right in the forefront.
But we know we've got more work to do,
so that every single student can look
at STEM through their vision statement for their future.
Washington STEM is an organization that says, hey,
we're going to find a way to fortify, diversify, and scale
this pipeline of domestic talent.
At Washington STEM, we know early math
is one of the greatest predictors of student future
success.
So that's why we're supporting programs
like Ready for Math, which brings together parents,
educators, and our youngest learners
to create meaningful math learning experiences for all.
After parents attend a Ready for Math workshop,
we really hope that they feel that they
can teach their children these math concepts successfully
and do it in a fun way.
I get really excited, and I know that parents are the same way.
It just makes me happy being able to see them progressing.
In rural areas, we need to have a voice.
And so I am beyond overjoyed as to what
Washington STEM is actually doing in our community.
What Washington STEM has done is really give an idea life.
And having this partnership is just
really helpful and tangible.
And together, I think we can really make a greater impact
across the state.
One of the ways we're able to to maximize our impact
is through our regional STEM networks.
These networks are key drivers in developing local solutions
to STEM education in their communities.
Through shared learning and open dialogue,
they help scale breakthrough solutions
that benefit all students in Washington state.
The Apple STEM network has grown a lot.
The communication across the networks has been so valuable.
The STEM networks, we're the boots
on the ground that are working in our communities day in
and day out.
And we're really passionate about that work
that we're doing.
And so to have Washington STEM provide
the input and the projections that we need to do our job
is really helpful.
The mid-Columbia STEM network created STEM Like Me,
which is a career connected learning experience that
brings professionals into middle school classrooms,
so the students can have a tangible vision of what
careers are possible for them.
We've been amazed at the results of STEM Like Me.
In this little bit of time, we can
open kids' eyes to whole new opportunities
that they've never even considered.
Now I know more about what I need to do
and what I need to focus on.
I haven't heard about a chemical engineering before.
Those are interesting.
In one generation, by becoming part of our STEM economy,
those kids can lift their whole family into family-wage jobs.
I was going to retire three years ago before I
took this job, but this has been the most rewarding work
that I've ever done.
The network system enables cross-state learning.
For example, STEM Like Me is now being piloted in the Skagit
Valley STEM network.
The Washington STEM network, that's really kind
of the glue that brings us all together.
Once I started communicating and interacting
with some of the other networks, it really just
was a game changer.
In the case of the Engineering Fellows Program, which
we have organized and run in partnership with Washington
MESA, we chose to design a novel program
to support teachers to deliver a high quality engineering
education for their students.
Having engineering students and engineers
in the classroom working with students is really powerful.
It's so, so neat to see the light bulb turn
on when kids grasp a concept.
When we do the challenges, it feels amazing.
I really want to be in engineering now when I grow up.
I mean, I'm in fifth grade.
How many kids get to see an engineer in fifth grade?
MESA is about equity.
And it's not often that there's another agency or organization
that's about the same thing.
Washington STEM is a very powerful partner.
They're a funder, a collaborator, an amplifier,
a champion.
They have raised the stakes.
At Washington STEM, we're focused on making a real impact
on students in our state.
And we truly believe if given the opportunity and support,
every student can excel and succeed in STEM.
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