Erica Compton is a 4th generation Idahoan with almost 30 years of experience in the area of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. Her early career experiences include working with special needs students from inner city neighborhoods in San Francisco, overseeing afterschool STEM learning centers across the Northwest, and co-founding an educational VR company which focused on guiding students to solve real world problems through 3d designed worlds and fully immersive VR.

In 2010 she joined the Idaho Commission for Libraries as Project Coordinator and co-developed the Make It at the Library project with the goal of creating “makers” through innovative out-of-school learning opportunities. The project impacted over 70 public libraries under her watch and received national attention for its unique and innovative model. The program continues to grow and impact students to this day.

In 2015 Erica joined the newly-formed Idaho STEM Action Center as Program Manager and helped build this new state agency from the ground up. She was responsible for overseeing professional development opportunities, grants, student competitions, and scholarships which focused on engaging students and educators in STEM learning and building a strong STEM workforce for Idaho.

Erica has had the honor of presenting at numerous national conferences, including the White House kick-off to the 2016 Week of Making, the National Maker Faire in D.C., the Capitol Hill Maker Faire, and the Mayor’s Conference on Entrepreneurship. She participates in the national Maker Movement and is Idaho’s Ambassador for the Nation of Makers.

When not advocating for education in Idaho, Erica enjoys everything related to the outdoors. She loves to garden, cook, and hike, ski, and bike with her husband Lee, 17 year old daughter Emily, and yellow lab Ivy.