Mission Statement

We are an organization driven to help learners make connections by growing partnerships between schools, community, work, and the global enterprise, enabling the development of STEM Literacy and preparing them for future workforce demands in Northwest Pennsylvania.

OUR STEM DEFINITION:

STEM education is a student-centered approach that encourages persistence, curiosity, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and critical and design thinking that will contribute to future workforce development and society as a whole.

A group of six adults standing against a gray background with "PSSE" and "NWPA STEM Ecosystem" logos.

PSSE 2025

Six members of the NWPA STEM Ecosystem Steering Committee attended the PA Statewide STEM Ecosystem (PSSE) in-person convening this June, where they engaged in dynamic discussions and collaborative learning with STEM leaders from across the state.

The convening featured a keynote by James Brown, Executive Director of the STEM Education Coalition, as well as a panel of experts moderated by Jeff Remington from CSATS. The experts explored Pennsylvania’s five economic pillars—agriculture, manufacturing, energy, AI and robotics, and life sciences. The in-person convening provided valuable insights into how STEM education and workforce development can align with the state’s strategic priorities and economic growth.

NWPA STEM Ecosystem Summit 2025

This summit brings together thought leaders, innovators, and educators to explore the evolving STEM ecosystem and opportunities for students in our region. The event featureS keynotes and discussions from:

Gregg Behr, Executive Director of The Grable Foundation
For over a decade, he has helped to lead Remake Learning—a network of educators, scientists, artists, and makers he founded in 2007—to international renown. Formed in Rogers’ real-life neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Remake Learning has turned heads everywhere from Forbes to the World Economic Forum for its efforts to ignite children’s curiosity, encourage creativity, and foster justice and belonging in schools, libraries, museums, and more.
Jesse Maine, Director of Learning at the Titusville Area School District. As a forward-thinking educational leader with nearly two decades of experience designing and implementing high-quality K-12 curricula that drive student success, Jesse’s workshop session will have attendees think about our regional ecosystem and how it all works together. Jesse has led cross-functional teams of educators, curriculum developers, and external partners to create innovative, standards-aligned instructional materials across multiple content areas.

Join the Ecosystem!

NWPA STEM Ecosystem Membership Benefits:

Collaborative Opportunities: Members will have the chance to collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including educators, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies, creating synergies that drive innovation in STEM education and workforce development.

Resource Sharing: The ecosystem offers access to shared resources, such as funding opportunities, professional development, curriculum tools, and cutting-edge STEM practices, which can help members enhance their programs and initiatives.

Increased Visibility and Impact: Joining the ecosystem provides a platform to showcase members’ work, amplifying their reach and influence while contributing to a region-wide strategy for improving STEM education and opportunities for students.

Professional Growth and Networking: Members will benefit from networking with other professionals in the region, allowing them to build connections, exchange ideas, and stay updated on emerging STEM trends and practices.

These benefits help foster a connected and thriving STEM community in NWPA.

Seven children in a gymnasium holding awards and wearing medals around their necks, smiling at the camera.

STEM Design Challenge

1st & 2nd Place Winners

Red Bank Valley 4th & 5th Grades

Partners: Local school districts, IU6, Pest Management, Grove City College, PennWest Clarion, United Way of Clarion, and PennState Extension 4H Program

Spring 2025

Fifteen adults n an auditorium holding Regional Playoff event signs and smiling at the camera.

NWPA Esports Tournament & Career Event

Partners: PennWEST Edinboro, STEMForged, Insight & IU5

Sponsors: Intel, Cisco, Lenovo, and Logitech

March 2025