Indiana STEM Education Advisory Board

Indiana STEM Education Advisory Board
Name	Indiana STEM Education Advisory Board
Formation	2011
Headquarters	Indianapolis, Indiana
Jurisdiction	State of Indiana

Indiana STEM Education Advisory Board is a state-level advisory body created to coordinate STEM-related policy and practice across Indiana institutions, agencies, and communities. The board provides recommendations to the Indiana General Assembly, aligns with standards promulgated by the Indiana Department of Education, and collaborates with higher education, industry, and nonprofit stakeholders to advance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics opportunities for K–12 and postsecondary learners.

History

The board traces its origins to legislative action following bipartisan interest in workforce development voiced during sessions of the Indiana General Assembly and commissions such as the Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education. Early support drew on models from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, and state advisory groups in California, Texas, and Massachusetts. Initial convenings included representatives from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the Purdue University system, Indiana University, and the Ball State University College of Sciences and Humanities. The board has evolved through executive orders and statutory updates influenced by reports from the Business Roundtable, the Council of Chief State School Officers, and the STEM Education Coalition. Milestones include published strategic plans aligning with recommendations from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and consultations with private partners like Eli Lilly and Company and Cummins Inc..

Mandate and Functions

The board’s statutory mandate directs it to advise the Governor of Indiana and the Indiana General Assembly on policies to increase STEM talent pipelines, support alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards where applicable, and recommend pathways between secondary and postsecondary institutions such as Ivy Tech Community College and research universities including Indiana University Bloomington and Purdue University West Lafayette. Core functions include convening stakeholders from the Indiana Department of Education, workforce agencies like the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, research centers such as the Vanderbilt University-affiliated institutes, and industry partners like Cummins and Eli Lilly and Company. The board issues guidance on credentialing, career and technical education pathways linked to entities such as the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and accreditation bodies like the Higher Learning Commission.

Membership and Governance

Membership comprises appointees representing K–12 districts like Indianapolis Public Schools, charter networks such as Gary Community School Corporation affiliates, postsecondary leaders from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, corporate leaders from firms such as Rolls-Royce North America, nonprofit heads from organizations like Junior Achievement USA, and philanthropic representatives from foundations akin to the Lumina Foundation and the Ball Brothers Foundation. The board is chaired by a gubernatorial designee and follows bylaws similar to those used by the National Academy of Sciences advisory committees. Governance includes subcommittees on metrics, teacher preparation with ties to the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and industry engagement coordinated with groups like the Indiana Manufacturers Association.

Programs and Initiatives

Initiatives spearheaded or recommended by the board include statewide K–12 outreach modeled after successful programs at MIT and Stanford University, dual-credit expansion similar to efforts by Western Governors University, STEM credentials and micro-credential pilots akin to projects at Georgia Tech and Arizona State University, and teacher professional development partnerships drawing from the National Science Teachers Association frameworks. Programs emphasize work-based learning coordinated with employers such as Salesforce affiliate programs, apprenticeship pathways inspired by Registered Apprenticeship practices, and summer research experiences patterned on the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program administered by the National Science Foundation.

Partnerships and Funding

The board leverages partnerships across public, private, and philanthropic sectors including alliances with Purdue University Global, corporate partners like Eli Lilly and Company, foundations such as the Lumina Foundation and the Gates Foundation-funded initiatives, and federal connections to agencies like the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education. Funding streams comprise state appropriations allocated by the Indiana General Assembly, grants from the National Science Foundation and the Department of Labor, private investments from firms like Cummins Inc. and Salesforce, and philanthropic grants modeled on programs from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Collaboration occurs with regional workforce boards, chambers such as the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, and community organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America affiliates.

Impact and Evaluations

Evaluations of the board’s influence reference metrics tracked by the Indiana Department of Education, enrollment and attainment data from National Student Clearinghouse, and workforce placement reports aligned with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Independent reviews cite increased dual-credit participation similar to trends reported by Education Commission of the States and improved teacher STEM certification rates comparable to studies by the RAND Corporation. Impact assessments utilize evaluation frameworks from the What Works Clearinghouse and program analyses like those conducted by the Hechinger Report and the Brookings Institution. Ongoing audits and performance reviews are coordinated with the Indiana State Board of Accounts and policy analyses from think tanks including the Hudson Institute and the Kauffman Foundation.

Category:Education in Indiana