Washington State STEM Education Foundation: An example for the rest of the nation

The Washington State STEM Education Foundation (STEM Foundation) was established in the Mid-Columbia nearly a decade ago, long before many knew STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Now, 10 years later, the Tri-Cities is home to a world-class STEM high school and an accompanying foundation. This foundation supports not only the school, but is a national model for generating passionate support of STEM education for every student, every day. The Battelle Foundation provided seed funding to launch the project.

The STEM Foundation brings together nearly 175 local partners from business, education, labor, government, and community-based organizations to close the region’s STEM skills gap and ensure every young person experiences the power and possibilities of STEM. Our impact is leveraged by working as the Mid-Columbia STEM Network, one of 10 STEM networks across the state benefitting from Washington STEM’s leadership.

Our STEM high school, Delta High, has led the way for four STEM elementary schools and a STEAM (STEM+Arts) middle school. Additionally, Columbia Basin College offers degrees and certificates uniquely tailored to prepare students for in-demand jobs within our local STEM economy. At Washington State University-Tri-Cities, nearly 70 percent of students are pursuing STEM-related degrees.

Working with our partners over the past year, a local investment of approximately $100,000 to Foundation operations resulted in a return of more than $5.2 million in STEM education investments in the Mid-Columbia from businesses and government sources across the state. That’s an ROI worth celebrating!

We remain focused on three strategic initiatives: 1) Build bridges to connect STEM resources to students, teachers and our community; 2) Promote STEM advocacy and awareness; and 3) Expand career-connected learning experiences.

Career-connected learning offers countless volunteer opportunities. Have you considered coaching a robotics team or helping students code? How about judging a science or engineering fair? Interested in sharing the secrets to your career success? These are just a few of the options available.

Participation in the STEM Like ME! program offers a rewarding experience for both the volunteer and the student attendees. This program was designed here in the Tri-Cities, and is now in action across the state after being honored in the Governor’s Learning Labs, showcasing best practices in STEM education in Washington.

STEM Like ME! volunteers commit to a two-hour visit with middle schoolers, demonstrating hands-on learning opportunities that help inspire students to consider STEM-related careers. The team building, company pride and creativity this program has sparked has made STEM Like ME! not only a winner for the students, but also for organizations across the region.

Our community consistently demonstrates a passionate commitment to work together to ensure all students graduate STEM literate, no matter their chosen career path. STEM builds critical thinking abilities, creativity and collaboration skills. Gaining STEM proficiency provides the basis for these skills and builds the flexibility for future workers to adapt quickly to frequent changes in the labor market.

My interest is supporting a STEM-conscious community bridges both my personal and professional lives. I come from a multi-generational STEM-based family. My father came from a STEM-based profession as a pipefitter. I graduated in electrical engineering. My wife teaches at a STEM school, encouraging young minds, and both my daughters are focusing their studies on STEM-based careers. I know firsthand the importance of STEM education, and at work I recognize the need for a well-trained and capable workforce.

Creating a STEM-capable workforce supports a vibrant local economy, attracts new businesses and outstanding professionals to our region, and provides young people with the promise of a bright future. To learn more and make a difference in the future, visit washingtonSTEMeducation.org.

This story was originally published April 1, 2018 at 4:56 PM with the headline "Washington State STEM Education Foundation: An example for the rest of the nation."