STEAM Learning Network
WHO WE ARE
The STEAM Learning Network is Graduate Tacoma’s newest Collaborative Action Network and is dedicated to expanding equitable access, interest, and success in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) for all Tacoma students, particularly girls, students of color, and those impacted by poverty.
The STEAM Learning Network was formed in 2017, partly in response to the skills gap that is resulting in more than 23,000 unfilled Washington jobs, most of which are in the STEM fields. This gap represents a promising opportunity in Tacoma, especially for students of color and those living in poverty.
We added an A for Arts, in line with the community’s belief that arts nurture creativity and problem-solving abilities. This network is aligned with Washington STEM’s priorities to foster partnerships, eliminate the duplication of work, and increase student achievement and impact.
CONNECT TO STEAM RESOURCES
As a Network, we have created a STEAM opportunities hub for families to find activities for their students in the areas os Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Click here to access our growing list and to view videos of local STEAM professionals. Here’s a preview video:
Tacoma’s Mount Tahoma High School was top in the state, with 59 students winning more than $1.3 million in STEM-focused Washington State Opportunity Scholarships (WSOS). A total of 110 Tacoma students from all high schools won a total of nearly $2.5 million, the second highest number in the state. The program is helping fill jobs in the high-demand sectors that drive Washington’s economy, like aerospace, engineering, technology, and health care. In addition to a maximum $22,500 in scholarships targeted to low- and middle-income students, the WSOS program also provides industry exposure and skills-building workshops.
Get Involved!
WHAT’S NEXT
Download the STEAM Learning Network’s Action Plan here. This working document guides the network’s actitivities and serves as a blueprint for the future.
Building STEAM Awareness
Launched a STEAM awareness campaign featuring TPS graduates in STEAM fields, featured on posters and videos, all targeted to reach middle and high school students – particularly low-income students, girls, and students of color. (GraduateTacoma.org/STEAM)
Mapping STEAM Learning Opportunities
Built STEAM career opportunity awareness and provided families with an easy-access directory of STEAM experiences and programming offerings throughout Tacoma. (GraduateTacoma.org/STEAM)
Winning STEM Scholarships
Trained 40 “Champions” to support students applying for the STEM-focused Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS). Last year, more than $2.9 million was awarded to TPS students – the second highest number in the state.
2020 TARGETS
More kids serviced through STEAM programming in and out of school
Double the number of TPS student WSOS applications over baseline, from 130 to 260
All community organizations and HS counselors trained to help students apply for and win WSOS scholarships
Network Leads
Network Partners
Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC), American Heart Association, Bates Technical College, Battle League, Citizens for a Healthy Bay, City of Tacoma, Central Washington University, Employment Security Department, Foss Waterway Seaport, Foundation for Tacoma Students, IQuark, iUrban Teen, LeMay-America’s Car Museum, Metro Parks Tacoma, South Sound LASER Alliance, Southwest Washington Pipe Trades, STEAM Vent, Tacoma Art Museum, Tacoma Clubhouse, Tacoma Housing Authority, Tacoma Pierce County Black Collective, Tacoma Public Library, Tacoma Public Schools, Tacoma/South Puget Sound MESA, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce, Technology Access Foundation, Tinkertopia, Treehouse, UA Local 26, University of Puget Sound, University of Washington Tacoma, Upward Bound, Washington State University Extension, Washington STEM, WorkForce Central
