STEAM
LEARNING NETWORK
The Tacoma STEAM Learning Network is dedicated to expanding equitable access, interest, experience, and success in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) for all Tacoma students, particularly girls, students of color, and those impacted by poverty.
INCREASING STEM ACCESS
In partnership with Tacoma Public Schools, the STEAM Learning Network launched STEAM programming that involved the whole family. STEAM Family Nights reached over 300 students and parents across the district. In 2019, the Network hosted the first Mini Maker Faire in the South Puget Sound, reaching over 1,000 students and families.
CAREER CONNECTED LEARNING
The Network channels funding support from the Career Connect WA Grant to Summer Jobs 253 and Next Move. Working with Tacoma’s professional community, both programs provide TPS students with resume building, job training, and exposure to the local workforce.
STEM SCHOLARSHIPS
Last year, over $2.4 million was awarded to TPS students through the STEM-focused Washington State Opportunity Scholarship. Tacoma had the highest number of applicants and awards in the state. The Network provides training to counselors, educators, and service providers to support students applying for the WSOS.
2020 TARGETS
NETWORK EVENTS
NETWORK STRATEGIES
Powering Up Educators
A one-day externship for educators who serve students of color to learn about careers and skills students need to enter into the workforce.
Tacoma Math
In partnership with TPS and ELRN to create a love for math in Tacoma. The network focuses on creating a culture of love for Math, equipping to support early STEM and connecting math to real-world concepts for school-age youth.
STEAM Advocacy
The network advocates on behalf on Tacoma-Pierce County students, ensuring that each bucket of advocacy has a specific focus on equity.
Earth & Space Challenges
The network focuses on exposing students of color to Earth and Space science using technology and resources not often accessible to underrepresented populations in this industry.
Career Connected Learning
The network engages the business community to provide students with exposure to opportunities in high-demand, family-wage careers in Tacoma.
Mini Maker Faire
The network hosts an annual Tacoma-South Sound Mini Maker Faire exposing students and families to Maker Education and Making.
WSOS Scholarship
WSOS is a STEM scholarship for middle and low-income students. All career specialists and support staff are trained to recruit eligible students and work with them through the scholarship process.
Aligned Funding
The network identifies up to five opportunities for students to fund that expands the mission of the network to ensure that neither cost or transportation are barriers.
STEAM LEARNING
NETWORK LEADS
Chanel R. Hall
Foundation for Tacoma Students
STEAM Manager
Jennifer Quinn
UW Tacoma
Math Professor
J.R. Nobles
Pacific Lutheran University
MESA Director
Sharon Rivera
Tacoma Community College
MESA Director
Erika Tucci
Ben B. Cheney Foundation
Senior Program Officer
Hannah Gbenro
Tacoma Public Schools
Director of Academic Alignment & Innovation
Tiffany Y’vonne
iQuark
Founder
NETWORK PARTNERS
- Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC)
- American Heart Association
- Bates Technical College
- Citizens for a Healthy Bay
- Central Washington University
- Employment Security Department
- Foss Waterway Seaport
- iQuark
- iUrban Teen
- LeMay-America’s Car Museum
- Metro Parks Tacoma
- South Sound LASER Alliance
- Southwest Washington Pipe Trades
- 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
