2022 PA STEM Ambassador Program: Developing STEM Policy Leaders in PA – Jan 21

Posted by PA Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network on December 14, 2021

Through support of the Overdeck Family Foundation and Afterschool Alliance, The Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) has partnered with Education Policy and Leadership Center (EPLC) and national STEM Education Coalition to launch the 2022 cohort of the Pennsylvania STEM Ambassador program, a 10-month advocacy training program targeted to leaders in business, education, out-of-school time and/or other STEM-related fields to meet directly with Pennsylvania policymakers, stakeholders and elected officials to help shape STEM policy in the Commonwealth.  The program cultivates strategic partnerships with local, state and federal leaders to advance STEM policy goals that help build tomorrow’s workforce.  Pennsylvania’s STEM vision entails:

• Identifying, aligning and strengthening student K-12 experiences to postsecondary opportunities with career pathways in STEM;
• Strengthening, diversifying, and aligning educator professional learning in STEM;
• Ensuring quality STEM experiences for all students, early childhood through postsecondary; and
• Connecting STEM education to economic opportunities through collaborative partnerships with diverse stakeholders in the education and the business/industry communities.

The STEM Ambassadorship program will provide training by recognized advocacy experts and STEM professionals on STEM policy, media outreach, relationship building, and leadership development. The skills learned and outcomes will help shape the future of STEM education by targeting vital policy conversations to legislative leadership in the areas of computer science, STEM Learning ecosystems, state and federal policy for formal and informal education and workforce needs.  Please review additional program details on the PSAYDN website.

STEM Ambassadors supported successful advocacy efforts totaling $70 million over two years in the state STEM/workforce investment known as PAsmart as well as statewide STEM competitions and events, the building of STEM Learning Ecosystems, STEM camps, and resources.  STEM Ambassadors have also been involved in the development of STEM Learning Ecosystems and serving on committees for Pennsylvania Integrated Standards for Science, Environment, Ecology, Technology and Engineering.

Please consider applying and/or forwarding the information to colleagues/friends for consideration.  Applications must be submitted by January 21, 2022.  Program sponsorship opportunities are also available on the website or by contacting Winnie Black at wblack@csc.csiu.org.