The world has changed dramatically and quickly over the last two decades and this has forever affected our lives and workplaces. It is becoming increasingly difficult to understand and be prepared for these changes.
Michigan is a very large and diverse state but there is one thing that unites everyone in it - the economy. Michiganders have suffered economically over the last ten years and now we all need to work together to build a better, stronger, vibrant economy that can benefit us all.
It is obvious that this new Michigan economy will depend on and require a population skilled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), problem- solving, innovation, and creativity.
What is the STEM Partnership?
The Michigan STEM Partnership is a statewide public-private collaborative that includes educators, employers, legislators and many others who are concerned about creating the new economy and addressing the current lack of STEM skills in school children and job applicants. The STEM Partnership is one of 17 state organizations that comprise the STEMx Network, a grassroots movement that provides a platform for sharing, analyzing and
disseminating quality STEM education tools to transform education, expand the number of STEM teachers, increase student achievement in STEM and grow tomorrow’s innovators.
What is the goal of the Partnership?
The Partnership aims to foster a culture of cross disciplinary education (P-20) in which all subjects are seen to be connected to each other and related to real-world activities. This culture will develop STEM skills and will prepare every Michigander for a successful future.
How is the Partnership going to reach this goal?
Our new Michigan economy will benefit people with the right skills but what are the right skills and how are they developed? What is happening across the state to assist people who want to develop these skills? What and where are the new jobs going to be?
The STEM Partnership is the connector and statewide communicator between employers, educators, students, parents, and legislators and it is playing a major role in addressing and answering these important questions for everyone in the state through collaboration, partnerships and an effective communication process.
The Partnership issues a free statewide newsletter highlighting news about terrific STEM programs, partnerships, and opportunities across the state. We are extending our network of partners to include more representation from business and industry, and we work with all of our partners wherever and whenever we can to create greater awareness of the new economy
and to help Michigan employers, teachers and students be successful. We are also updating our web site to reflect our mission and to pass on helpful, relevant information to the public and educators.
How is the Partnership structured?
The work of the Partnership is guided by a statewide Board made up of employers and educators, and other partners. For administrative purposes, the state is divided into five hubs (see map) and the work of each hub is directed by a leadership team, also made up of employers and educators.
The Board sets the overall direction for the work of the Partnership through a 5-year strategic plan and annual operational plans. Each hub leadership team creates an annual operational plan that determines STEM activities that will advance local efforts while supporting the work of the Partnership. All plans include performance metrics that are reported annually.
These reports (from the hubs and the Partnership) are compiled into a statewide report that is distributed publicly.
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