September 12, 2012 � News from the Southeastern MA Region STEM Network http://www.connectsemass.org/stem
newsletter-logo-The-Petri-Disk
 Corporate Partner Initiative STEMtastic Success!   

 

What started with four has now grown to twelve - and that's just the beginning! Companies large and small all across SE MA are stepping up to the plate to help the SE MA STEM Network connect STEM employers with students of all ages. The long term goal: to build student interest and achievement so that more graduates are ready to join the STEM workforce that drives our innovation economy.

 

We thank our founding Corporate Partners for taking the lead: AccuRounds, HarborOne Credit Union, MEDITECH, and Lockheed Martin.
 

New partners joining in the last month are G&R Associates, MathWorks, PID Analyzers, Sensata Technologies, Southcoast Hospitals Group, U.S. Air Force, and Verizon.

 

What does it cost to become a Corporate Partner? NOTHING! Companies commit to reaching out to their employees to seek volunteers for educational opportunities that may arise, such as giving a classroom presentation, providing a demo at a future STEM Expo-type event, or supervising an intern. Corporate Sponsors are also eligible to list their HR websites on the Network's Career Exploration page so that SE MA students can begin planning ahead for a STEM career in our region. 

Students at Expo 
The SE MA STEM Expo
It happened. It was great. Now what?

500 students, 22 schools, and over 100 STEM professionals participated. Is there another Expo in store for 2012-13? Rather than putting our efforts into one event that can reach only a small number of youngsters, the SE MA Network will spend the coming year working with districts who participated in the Expo to help them build their STEM plans and connect to STEM resources so that even more kids can have meaningful, hands-on, stimulating STEM experiences at local events. Just a few examples:

  • Norton, Mansfield, and Foxboro public schools are meeting to plan a STEM Expo for 2014.
  • Canton public schools held a three-day STEM professional development workshop over the summer.
  • Sandwich schools have been meeting to develop their STEM plan.

Want to get on board? Attend one of the Expo follow-up meetings taking place in October, November, and December:

OCTOBER: Statewide STEM Summit: SE MA School District Teams should attend the 8 a.m. Early Risers Session. More information below.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER: School District Teams will reconvene in local gatherings to showcase and develop their district's STEM plans and connect to new resources. Plan to attend ONE of these meetings:

  • November 1: Cape Cod Community College, West Barnstable
  • November 7: Massasoit Community College, Brockton
  • November 15: Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater
  • December 5: Bristol Community College, Fall River

STEM Coordinator Katherine Honey will be in touch with School District Team Leaders to let them know which meeting to attend.

News from the State
Statewide STEM Summit
Thursday, October 18, 2012, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
750 Representatives of business, education, government, and community are expected to attend the October 18 STEM Summit at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. As mentioned above, SE MA School District Teams should attend the 8 a.m. Early Risers Session. To be featured: progress since the Expo; developing your district/community STEM plan; the SE STEM Network's resources. All SE MA stakeholders are invited to join the SE MA Network at lunchtime to learn about our work. Registration will open Thursday September 13 - a link will be sent out via this listserv.
the hall at patriot place
Second Round of @Scale Targets College Graduation, Workforce Development  
The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education seeks proposals that address Goals 4 and/or 6 of the STEM plan, to Improve Graduation Rates from Post-Secondary STEM Programs, and Close the STEM Workforce Gaps through Targeted Training Programs. $400k of state funds will be available to leverage $1.2M in matching non-state funds.

Qualifying projects must reflect a strong education research foundation, demonstrate a history of successful outcomes, be cost-effective on a per-student basis, and extend these successful programs to serve many more students/workers/educators. Partnerships should include but are not limited to: K12 comprehensive and vocational education schools, community colleges, public universities, workforce development organizations, and importantly - industry and employer representatives.

The due date for proposals is Thursday, October 25, 2012. Those planning to submit a proposal, notify the DHE by September 21, 2012 by email: [email protected]. An informational call will be held on September 25, 2012. 
MMA 
Mass. Clean Energy Center Industry Report

The Mass. Clean Energy Center released its second annual study of clean energy in the commonwealth, measuring jobs, companies, revenue, and helping to define the scope of the industry. Massachusetts remains No. 2 in the U.S. (No. 1 per capita) in private clean energy investment. Additionally, the report shows a year-to-year growth rate of clean energy companies of 2%, an 11% increase in clean energy employees, and expectations of a highly educated workforce. For more information, visit www.masscec.com or download the report.

News and Events from the Region
 
SciGirls Call for Applications
SciGirls is looking for organizations with a commitment to gender-equitable STEM programming for girls ages 8-13. Selected organizations will receive a full day of training, support via monthly webinars, and access to the SciGirls CONNECT online community. Application deadline is September 14, 2012. Click here for more information or contact Adine at [email protected].
 
Wild Edibles Walk
Saturday September 15, 2012
1:00PM - 3:00PM
Copicut Falls, Fall River MA 
Ever wonder how long you could survive in the woods by living off the land? Well, southeast Massachusetts is home to more than 150 species of wild edible plants and late summer is the season of fruits and nuts. Join Education Coordinator Linton Harrington for a walk and an all-natural snack.  Free for Trustees or Reservations Members; Non-Members - $5. For more information, call (508)-636-4693, X13 - or email [email protected] .
National Database Recognizes Top-Quality Programs 

Change the Equation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, CEO-led initiative, has created the STEMworks database to help business leaders and other funders identify and support programs that boost STEM interest and learning. Applications are now being accepted.  Any STEM learning program that serves PK-12 students and teachers, in or out of school, can apply. Programs accepted into the STEMworks database can promote their inclusion as a sign of quality to be recognized by funders. To apply, please visit the STEMworks database. There are three deadlines: September 15, October 15, and November 15, 2012. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions or comments. 

 

MA Life Science Center Funding Available

The MA Life Science Center will invest in STEM education at select high schools and in high-potential economic development projects across the state that promise to create jobs and make a significant contribution to the state's life sciences ecosystem.

 

The CAPITAL PROGRAM is for academic /research institutions (including community colleges), business incubators and other not-for-profit organizations. A proposal (required) is due September 21, and the full application is due November 16. The application and materials are available on the Center's website.

 

The EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FOR HIGH SCHOOLS application is due on October 12. Please visit the program's website for more information.

GO PUBLIC! in Plymouth October 3

Wednesday October 3, 2012

7 - 8:30PM

Plymouth North High School, 41 Obery Street, Plymouth

Are you or your students wondering if a community college, state university, or UMass campus is the right place for you? Senate President Therese Murray will host the presidents and chancellor of southeastern Massachusetts' public colleges and universities for a discussion of the programs and opportunities available at  the five institutions. One breakout session will be devoted to discussing "careers that pay back your investment in higher education," especially STEM.

 

SCILS Funds Promoting Careers in Life Sciences 

Metro South/West and South Shore individuals, companies and organizations are eligible to apply for funds to promote employment in the life sciences. Funds may support training costs for participants at Medical Lab Technician training at Quincy College; internships at life science employers throughout the Greater Boston area; help residents complete a life science post-secondary degree or professional certification; enable employers to evaluate weaknesses in the region's life science training capacity and develop new training programs as justified by employer demand; and provide professional development and customer services to one-stop career center throughout the region. Learn more at the SCILS website or contact Matt Bruce, SCILS Coordinator, 617.918.5225 or [email protected].

Share your news!
We want to include all the cool stuff happening around our region. Plus, we'd love to share your news, as well as suggestions for things you find interesting. So ... Let us know! Email your news, events, and other interesting tidbits to [email protected].
 
Plus, don't forget to register your organization in the SE MA STEM directory so that people seeking your STEM services can find you:
 
And be sure to check out the network website at :


Our mission is to connect southeastern Massachusetts students, educators, employers, and STEM advocates to resources and to each other.
In This Issue
Corporate Partners Join SE MA STEM Network
Network Plans for 2012-13
News from the State--STEM Summit
News from the State--@Scale RFP
News from the State--Mass CEC Report
STEM Stirrings: Events and Resources
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