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What is a STEM ecosystem?
STEM Learning Ecosystems provide the architecture for cross-sector learning, offering all young people access to STEM-rich learning environments so they can develop important skills and engagement in science, technology, engineering and math throughout preK-16.
Strong STEM Learning Ecosystems feature dynamic collaborations among schools, out-of-school time programs, STEM expert institutions (such as museums, science centers, institutions of higher education and STEM professional associations), the private sector, community-based organizations, youth and families.
How does the SHINEon PA STEM ecosystem fit this model?
The SHINEon PA STEM Ecosystem is the result of a grass root initiative that began in 2004 in rural Carbon/ Schuylkill County in NE PA. The heart of the ecosystem is SHINE (Schools and Homes in Education) a nationally recognized OST program, which has cultivated partnerships reaching every facet of the community. Administered by Lehigh Carbon Community College, the 42 week program includes kindergarten home visiting, 1st-4th grade STEM centers, 5th- 8th grade STEM Career Academy and high school mentoring opportunities. Cross-sector partnerships have created a pathway from pre-school to career, promoting STEM education, college/career ready students, the foundation for a strong workforce. The SHINE model was replicated in Luzerne County resulting in 19 STEM Centers over 800 sq. miles in 13 economically disadvantaged school districts and 5 CTC’s. SHINE has been a catalyst for expanding STEM into the school curriculum. Most recently, the expansion of SHINE programs to Wayne and Pike counties have brought these additional communities into our structure. Partnerships with Pocono and Luzerne Schuylkill Workforce Investment Boards have resulted in development of new programming connecting schools to the local economy. Community & business partners are committed to providing students STEM experiences.
Our Vision
All students will possess the needed STEM Skills to be competitive for the 21st century jobs in Northeastern Pennsylvania. All Educators and teachers are provided with the training and tools to insure students are STEM content and literate. The SHINEon PA STEM Ecosystem will work with state and local initiatives to develop a competitive workforce for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Our Mission
The mission of the SHINEon PA STEM Ecosystem is to be the catalyst to build a strong collaborative effort among educational institutions, businesses, and community members resulting in a successful workforce through intentional STEM initiatives.
To learn more about the SHINEon PA STEM Ecosystem please contact Francine Kluck at fkluck@lccc.edu.
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