About

WHO WE ARE
The Appalachian STEM Collaborative, is designed to cultivate a thriving STEM culture in schools across our region. This innovative program aims to equip students with the skills they need for the in-demand jobs of the 21st century and beyond.

WHAT WE DO
By fostering partnerships between educators, businesses, and community leaders, the STEM Collaborative emphasizes the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a well-rounded education. As we tackle complex challenges together, we inspire creative solutions and drive meaningful change. With STEM careers projected to represent 90% of future jobs in our region—offering wages up to 68% higher than non-STEM positions—it’s vital that we prepare our students for this evolving landscape. Join us in our mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic future. Together, we can build a stronger community through the power of STEM education.

Guiding Principles

1. Foster hope among ALL students in the Appalachian region of Ohio by creating and committing to inclusive and accessible pathways for high-quality STEM and STEAM learning.
2. Champion academic environments that challenge students to develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and resilience through authentic real-world experiences and learning.
3. Invest in and empower teachers through educator support in STEM and STEAM that will activate increased collaboration, innovation, and strengthen best practices.
4. Pursue and sustain meaningful cross-sector and community partnerships to build awareness of local and regional in-demand job opportunities and increase workforce development trajectories.
5. Embrace our region’s rich history of being doers and tinkerers to shift our mindset from deficit thinking about resources (funding, spaces, human capital, etc.) to collaboratively innovate creative and new ways to optimize STEM and STEAM programming and resources for our region.

Contact

Dan Leffingwell
STEM Ecosystem Director
Dean of Engineering and Business at Washington State Community College – dleffingwell1@wscc.edu