STEM Learning Ecosystems Overview

Launched in Denver in 2015 at an international global conference, the STEM Learning Ecosystems is a Global Community of Practice with extensive sharing of resources and expertise among leaders from education, business and industry, non-profits, philanthropy and others.

The 94 communities selected from across the world compose a global Community of Practice and have demonstrated cross-sector collaborations to deliver rigorous, effective preK-16 instruction in STEM learning. These collaborations happen in schools and beyond the classroom—in afterschool and summer programs, at home, in science centers, libraries and other places – both virtual and physical. They spark young people’s engagement, develop their knowledge, strengthen their persistence and nurture their sense of identity and belonging in STEM disciplines. Students connected to ecosystems and the pathways they create are intended to be able to connect what they learn in and out-of-school with real-world learning opportunities, leading to STEM-related careers and opportunities.

Initiative Goals

• Build and nurture a Community of Practice comprised of local, regional and state STEM Learning Ecosystems from across the world. Ecosystems encompass preK-16 schools; community-based organizations, such as after-school and summer programs; institutions of higher education; STEM-expert organizations, such as science centers, museums, corporations, intermediary and non-profit organizations and professional associations; businesses; funders; and informal experiences at home and in a variety of environments.
• Support communities in the design and cultivation of STEM Learning Ecosystems through expert coaching facilitated by TIES (Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM).
• Support selected STEM Learning Ecosystems to participate in a Community of Practice to share successes, challenges and opportunities for growth.
• Inform the STEM education field about the importance of creating connected STEM-rich learning opportunities for children, youth and their families across the educational continuum from preschool through higher education and workforce.

Initiative Approach

Since 2015, the STEM Learning Ecosystems Initiative has cultivated and supported local, regional and state STEM Learning Ecosystems from across the globe.

The Initiative is designed for communities to become active members within a national network of their peers and STEM leaders.

Membership to the Community of Practice includes national convenings, webinars, and an online community and is built to encourage peer-to-peer support and mentoring.

To support the design and cultivation of the STEM Learning Ecosystems across the globe, all participating STEM Ecosystems receive peer-mentoring plus access to tools, assessments and resources.