Arkansas STEM Coalition

Arkansas STEM Coalition. The Arkansas STEM Coalition is a collaborative effort between University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, and University of Central Arkansas to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Arkansas. This initiative is supported by National Science Foundation and NASA, with the goal of increasing the number of STEM graduates in the state. The coalition works closely with Arkansas Department of Education, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and Winrock International to achieve its objectives.

Introduction

The Arkansas STEM Coalition was established to address the growing demand for STEM professionals in Arkansas and to improve the state's competitiveness in the global economy. The coalition's efforts are guided by the principles of No Child Left Behind Act and Every Student Succeeds Act, which emphasize the importance of STEM education in preparing students for the workforce. The coalition's members include University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas Tech University, and Henderson State University, among others. These institutions work together to develop and implement STEM programs, such as Project Lead the Way and Code.org, in schools across Arkansas. The coalition also partners with IBM, Microsoft, and Lockheed Martin to provide students with hands-on experience and career opportunities.

History

The Arkansas STEM Coalition was formed in response to the state's need for a more skilled and educated workforce. The coalition's history is closely tied to the efforts of Governor Mike Huckabee, who launched the Arkansas STEM Initiative in 2005. This initiative was supported by National Governors Association and Council of Chief State School Officers, and it led to the establishment of the Arkansas STEM Coalition in 2010. The coalition's early work was influenced by the America COMPETES Act and the STEM Education Act of 2015, which provided funding and guidance for STEM education initiatives across the United States. The coalition has also been shaped by the work of National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, and Institute of Medicine, which have provided research and recommendations on STEM education.

Mission_and_Objectives

The Arkansas STEM Coalition's mission is to promote STEM education and career development in Arkansas. The coalition's objectives include increasing the number of STEM graduates in the state, improving STEM education in schools, and providing students with career opportunities in STEM fields. The coalition works to achieve these objectives by partnering with University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas Children's Hospital, and Arkansas Biosciences Institute to develop STEM programs and provide professional development for teachers. The coalition also collaborates with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to provide students with hands-on experience and research opportunities.

Programs_and_Initiatives

The Arkansas STEM Coalition offers a range of programs and initiatives to promote STEM education in Arkansas. These include STEM camps and workshops, such as Girls Who Code and Robotics Academy, which provide students with hands-on experience in STEM fields. The coalition also offers professional development programs for teachers, such as Project Lead the Way and Code.org, which help teachers develop the skills and knowledge they need to teach STEM subjects effectively. The coalition partners with Microsoft Philanthropies, Google for Education, and Cisco Systems to provide schools with technology and resources to support STEM education. Additionally, the coalition works with Arkansas Department of Higher Education and Arkansas Community Colleges to develop STEM programs and provide students with career opportunities.

Membership_and_Partnerships

The Arkansas STEM Coalition has a diverse membership that includes University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, and University of Central Arkansas, as well as Arkansas Department of Education and Arkansas Economic Development Commission. The coalition also partners with IBM, Microsoft, and Lockheed Martin to provide students with career opportunities and hands-on experience in STEM fields. The coalition works closely with National Science Foundation, NASA, and National Institutes of Health to develop and implement STEM programs and provide funding for STEM education initiatives. The coalition's members and partners include Winrock International, Arkansas Children's Hospital, and Arkansas Biosciences Institute, among others.

Impact_and_Achievements

The Arkansas STEM Coalition has had a significant impact on STEM education in Arkansas. The coalition's efforts have led to an increase in the number of STEM graduates in the state, and have improved STEM education in schools across Arkansas. The coalition's programs and initiatives have also provided students with career opportunities and hands-on experience in STEM fields, and have helped to develop a more skilled and educated workforce in the state. The coalition's work has been recognized by National Governors Association, Council of Chief State School Officers, and National Academy of Engineering, among others. The coalition continues to work towards its mission of promoting STEM education and career development in Arkansas, and is committed to making a positive impact on the state's economy and workforce. Category:Education in Arkansas