STEM Workforce Ready 2030
Challenge
Improving access to computer science opportunities in K–12 is an important step toward preparing students for changing workforce opportunities. Yet in many rural communities, computer science education has been slow to emerge due to the absence of teaching resources and a lack of understanding about how computer science is relevant in a rural context.
In Maine, EDC is partnering with the Maine Math and Science Alliance (MMSA) to lead STEM Workforce Ready 2030, an initiative funded by the Harold Alfond Foundation. The project is building a network of teacher leaders committed to increasing access to computer science and computational thinking (CS/CT) learning in rural PK–12 classrooms throughout the state. STEM Workforce Ready 2030 is elevating local awareness about and engagement in Maine’s robust rural STEM sector through educator workshops, industry partnerships, and local STEM-focused events.
Key Activities
The project is carrying out the following activities:
- Co-designing a Regional Hub model of professional learning that helps teachers implement computer science activities
- Hosting workshops and events that promote computer science learning
- Organizing teacher tours of local industries (including the ski, lumber, and dairy industries) where teachers can learn about STEM connections to rural work
- Building teacher leaders’ capacity to teach CS/CT through peer-to-peer learning events
- Facilitating conversations about STEM learning between local educators and industry
- Increasing parents’ awareness of the importance of CS/CT skills
- Using a Research-Practice Partnership (RPP) model to bring together teacher leaders, education researchers, and local industry partners to co-design professional learning materials
Impact
The project will:
- Reach over 14 districts across 10 counties in Maine
- Build the capacity of 70 CS/CT integration specialists and leaders from participating RPP districts
- Expand CS/CT engagement to 36 districts neighboring the RPP districts, resulting in an enhancement of the capacity of an additional 1,000 educators
- Engage 1,250 attendees at Maine CS Leadership Summit Events over five years
- Engage 850 attendees at CS Summer of Fun over five years
- Support 30 districts in creating strategic plans for CS/CT integration
- Support 144 educators in Computer Science Connected Learning Experiences with rural businesses
