Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem [Ohio]
Mahoning County, OH
![Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem [Ohio] logo](https://stemecosystems.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Screenshot-2025-02-05-at-3.55.37 PM.png "Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem [Ohio] logo")
About
The Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem was established to foster innovative educational and workforce development opportunities tailored to the needs of students and the broader community. At the center of this initiative is the Community Literacy Workforce and Cultural Center (CLWCC), launched in 2020 as a hub for lifelong learning, workforce training, and community engagement. The CLWCC is located on the campus of Campbell City Schools, which is also home to the Northeast Ohio IMPACT Academy, a STEM-designated 7–12 school recognized by the State of Ohio since 2019.
The Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem and its many education, business, and industry partners are committed to aligning resources to efficiently and effectively serve the Mahoning Valley region through innovation and collaboration. This network connects local businesses, healthcare providers, and educational institutions to equip individuals with the skills needed for emerging careers. By leveraging partnerships and regional resources, the ecosystem enhances access to career pathways, ensuring that students and adult learners benefit from dynamic learning experiences and workforce readiness initiatives.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create an inclusive, forward-thinking STEM ecosystem where education, workforce training, and industry collaboration converge to empower students and the broader community. The Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem is a model for education and workforce integration, ensuring that students and residents not only dream of success but are equipped with the tools to achieve it.
Our Goals
Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem strives to ensure sustained growth, innovation, and impact by:
- Expanding STEM Career Pathways & Workforce Readiness: Strengthen partnerships with k-12 schools throughout the region, higher education institutions, workforce agencies and industry to align curriculum with high-demand career fields.
- Fostering Equity & Inclusion in STEM Education: Ensure that underrepresented populations (e.g., women, minorities, economically disadvantaged students) have equitable access to STEM resources and opportunities. Implement mentorship programs and scholarships to support diverse learners in STEM fields.
- Enhancing Hands-On, Project-Based Learning & Innovation: Invest in state-of-the-art labs, robotics, AI, and emerging technologies to provide students with real-world STEM experiences. Expand interdisciplinary projects that promote problem-solving, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship.
- Strengthening Digital Literacy & Cybersecurity Awareness: Integrate digital skills training, coding, and cybersecurity education to prepare for a technology-driven workforce. Promote safe and ethical technology use through student and community training initiatives.
- Sustaining & Scaling STEM Education Through Funding & Community Engagement: Secure additional grants and funding opportunities (e.g., ARC, NSF, private-sector partnerships) to expand STEM programming. Build community awareness and engagement through STEM outreach events, maker fairs, and industry showcases to reinforce STEM as a pillar of regional economic growth.
Key Programs
Community Served: Mahoning Valley Region, Mahoning County, Ohio
Learners Served: Elementary, Middle School, High School, Post-Secondary, Adult Learners
Types of Learner Programs: Curriculum, In-school programs, Afterschool programs, Summer school programs, Internships, Work-based learning programs, Career & Technical Education (CTE), Pre-College STEM programs, Stackable credentials, Technical training & certification, Workforce skills & development, Apprentice programs, Degree programs, Coaching and Mentoring Programs
Types of Educator Programs: Professional development, Training, Resources (equipment, kits, etc.), Curriculum support and resources
Future-Ready Workforce Development Initiatives
The Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem is dedicated to preparing a dynamic workforce by equipping individuals with future-ready skills through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and workforce-aligned education. As a regional hub for innovation, our strong network of partners forms the foundation for career exploration, skills training, and professional development—bridging the gap between education and industry.
To sustain and expand workforce development efforts, we actively seek partnerships and grant-funded opportunities. Through collaboration with our evolving network, the Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem ensures a skilled workforce that drives economic growth in Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties—and beyond.
The ecosystem proven model serves as the foundation for this innovative and collaborative approach, essential for the region’s continued economic success.
Partners
Early Childhood
Early Childhood
Ohio Afterschool Network
ESC of Eastern Ohio
K-12 Education
Campbell City School District
Northeast Ohio Impact Academy
Valley STEM
Mahoning County Career and Technical Center
ESC of Eastern Ohio
Higher Education:
Stark State College
Youngstown State University
Out-of-School Time (OST) & Informal STEM Providers
Ohio Afterschool network
OH WOW! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Science Museum
Business & Industry
Southwoods Health
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Akron Children’s Hospital
Sight For All United
Community Partners
Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning Valley
MyPath
Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley
Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber
Appalachian Children’s Coalition
Government Agency
Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board
Additional Info
The Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem is part of a larger network of STEM Ecosystems across Ohio. Collaborating STEM Ecosystems include: Appalachian STEM Collaborative; DO STEM; Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative (GCSC); Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem; Northeast Ohio STEM Learning Ecosystem; and STEM Works East Central Ohio.
Contact
Matt Bowen, Superintendent
Campbell City Schools
Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem
mbowen@campbell.k12.oh.us
Cheryl McArthur
Business Manager, Campbell City Schools
cmcarthur@campbell.k12.oh.us
