Montana STEM Summit 2023 findings and next steps presented online Dec. 12

STEM summit report logo

The Montana STEM Summit, held April 13, 2023, in Helena, brought together educators, afterschool providers, industry representatives and others to discuss challenges and opportunities for strengthening STEM learning in Montana. Whether or not you attended the April event or any previous Summits, the recorded presentation provides an overview of the Summit and outlines ideas for building stronger communication and collaboration across the state among those working to advance STEM opportunities for Montana youth.

Resources:

For questions about the Summit, contact:

  • Heather Jameson, Montana Afterschool Alliance: heather@mtafterschoolalliance.org
  • Suzi Taylor, Montana State University: taylor@montana.edu

The 2023 Summit built on earlier convenings, beginning with the first Montana STEM Summit in August 2017 at Montana State University. That initial event, hosted by the Montana Afterschool Alliance and the MSU Science Math Resource Center, was supported by a STEM Next grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to promote statewide STEM partnerships. Priorities identified at that first Summit have guided programming and collaborations across Montana and informed the agendas for the 2019, 2022 and 2023 Summits.

A new report summarizing the 2023 findings is now available for free download. These insights will help guide upcoming Montana NSF EPSCoR initiatives focused on STEM learning and workforce development.

The report highlights barriers, ideas, resources and examples in four key areas:

  1. Integrating the arts to transform STEM into STEAM, with attention to K–12 curriculum
  2. Creating a statewide, centralized STEM network and resource hub
  3. Strengthening the connection between K–12 STEM education, out-of-school learning, workforce and innovation
  4. Increasing access and affordability for afterschool and out-of-school STEM programming