STEM Ecosystems Spotlight: STEM SAIL’s 5 OHIO Ecosystems
Ohio’s STEM landscape is undergoing a transformation through the collaborative efforts of five STEM ecosystems across the state. The Ohio STEM SAILs initiative, in partnership with TIES, the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce and New Growth Group, has been uniting communities statewide for the past two years.
About the Ohio Ecosystems
Ohio boasts a robust network of STEM Ecosystems, each uniquely positioned to serve community needs. These ecosystems work towards alleviating barriers to STEM education access and enhancing STEM learning opportunities. While each ecosystem shares the common goal of improving STEM education, their approaches demonstrate the power of community partners working together.
The success of STEM SAIL OHIO is driven by a dedicated team of ecosystem leaders from across the state. Each member brings unique expertise and regional insights to the collaborative effort:
- Dan Leffingwell: Director, Appalachian STEM Collaborative
- Jessica Short: Chief of Operations, DO STEM
- Ebony Hood: Director, NeoSTEM
- Sean Kelly: Director, Greater Cincinnati STEM Collaborative
- Meghan Federer: Director, STEM Works East Central Ohio (not shown in picture)
This diverse team represents various regions of Ohio, ensuring that the initiative addresses the unique needs and challenges of different communities across the state. Their collective experience and commitment to STEM education are key factors in the program’s success.
Innovative Practice: STEM SAIL OHIO
STEM SAIL OHIO is a groundbreaking initiative that has brought together five STEM ecosystems across Ohio. This program addresses regional challenges and fosters STEM excellence through various initiatives, including I AM STEM, Ohio CSOs, Caliper, Bi-weekly Ohio Ecosystem meetings, and STEM Engagement Portals. These efforts are expanding access to high-quality STEM opportunities for all students in Ohio.
Impact Story
STEM SAIL OHIO has made significant strides in strengthening STEM across Ohio’s communities. The program focuses on students at all levels, educators, and community stakeholders, aiming to bridge gaps in STEM access and quality education. Funded by the State of Ohio with ESSER III federal funds, the initiative has been active for the last two years.
The program offers opportunities both during out-of-school time and integrated into the school day, providing resources such as professional development, curriculum support, and networking opportunities.
Partners collaborate by sharing expertise, resources, and best practices, maximizing the program’s impact. As a result, STEM SAIL OHIO has fostered increased collaboration, innovation, and access to quality STEM education, positively impacting students’ learning experiences and future opportunities.
Implementation Journey
The implementation of STEM SAIL OHIO has involved several key steps:
- Ohio SLEs Collaboration: Monthly meetings, collaborative conference presentations, and initiative support.
- Listening Tours: Conducted throughout the state in 2023, these tours were held in various locations to gather baseline information about communities’ STEM needs and aspirations.
- Opportunity Dashboard: Developed to provide opportunities, initiatives, and programs for supporting SLEs and emerging ecosystems.
- STEM All Stars Celebration: A culminating event for current Ohio SLEs and Emerging Community Leaders.
Looking Ahead
As STEM SAIL OHIO continues to evolve, the focus remains on strengthening STEM across Ohio’s communities. The program aims to further expand its reach, deepen collaborations, and continue addressing regional challenges and opportunities in STEM education.
To learn more about STEM SAIL OHIO and how you can get involved, visit the TIES website at https://www.tiesteach.org/stem-sail.
