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

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Increase student access to STEAM programming

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Members trained in WSOS application process

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Double the number of WSOS applications from 130

NETWORK EVENTS

Building Resilient Communities | Design Lab Course

February 29 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
One event on February 29, 2020 at 9:00 am
One event on March 21, 2020 at 9:00 am
One event on April 18, 2020 at 9:00 am
One event on May 2, 2020 at 9:00 am

Hilltop Healthy Kids & Family Carnival

February 29 @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

STEAM Network Meeting

March 10 @ 9:30 am - 11:00 am
|Recurring Event (See all)
An event every month that begins at 9:30 am on day Second of the month, repeating until December 31, 2020

Building Resilient Communities | Design Lab Course

March 21 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
One event on February 29, 2020 at 9:00 am
One event on March 21, 2020 at 9:00 am
One event on April 18, 2020 at 9:00 am
One event on May 2, 2020 at 9:00 am

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.