Connect. Educate. Innovate.
A collaboration of stakeholders committed to engaging its local and global community in connected STEM learning.
THE PA SEED ECOSYSTEM
The Pennsylvania STEM Experiences for Equity and Diversity (PA SEED) Ecosystem is a collaboration of stakeholders committed to engaging its local and global community in connected science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning.
On our site you'll discover more information about who we are, why STEM access is crucial for all leaners as well as how you can get involved right now!
OUR GOALS
We have our goals, of course, but check out the Governors Beta Goals too while you're here!
Connected Stakeholders
Connect ALL stakeholders to STEM educational experiences and opportunities from classroom to intermediate unit level throughout the region.
STEM
For All
Generate coherent STEM experiences for all learners including historically underserved and underrepresented populations.
Professional
Learning
Generate coherent STEM experiences for all learners including historically underserved and underrepresented populations.
01
OUR STORY
JANUARY 2017
Created a regional community of practice and regional interest was established.
A Collaborative Initiative
PA STEM Experiences for Equity and Diversity (SEED) Ecosystem is a collaborative between school districts, libraries, Intermediate Units, post-secondary institutions, and environmental education centers along with growing public/private partnerships like those forged with the United Way, Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) and Corbett, Incorporated. The STEM Learning Ecosystem spans four counties and is focused on collectively leveraging resources to ensure all students in the region have robust STEM experiences P-20.
With over 300,000 STEM related jobs in Pennsylvania by 2018, 17,000 vacant computer science jobs, and employers clamoring for a workforce that has problem solving communication, and computational
thinking skills the STEM Learning Ecosystem will help generate STEM pathways for students.
Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Intermediate Units build the foundation for the STEM Ecosystem. The Intermediate Units’ experience providing professional learning across the continuum of school professionals along with technical assistance from district to classroom level allows for an understanding of the opportunities within the region. With over 25 private, NGO, and/or philanthropic partners, 15 post-secondary partners and support from the Pennsylvania Department of Education the Intermediate Units collectively offer a suite of STEM educational services that act as the foundation for a STEM Learning Ecosystem.
WHO DO WE SERVE?
2.5
MILLION
PEOPLE IN THE PA
SEED REGION
62
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
IN THE PA SEED REGION
200
PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN
THE PA SEED REGION
9
CAREER AND TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOLS IN
THE PA SEED REGION
100
COLLEGES IN THE PA SEED REGION
STEM Learning Ecosystems provide the architecture for cross-sector learning, offering all young people access to rich learning environments in order to develop STEM skills and to engage in science, technology, engineering, and math from preschool through university. Strong STEM Learning Ecosystems feature dynamic collaborations among schools, out-of-school time programs, STEM Expert Institutions (such as science centers and museums, institutions of higher education, and STEM professional organizations), the private sector, community-based organizations, youth, and families. A learning ecosystem harnesses the unique contributions of all of these different settings to deliver STEM learning for all children.
OUR VISION
Aspiration Statement:
The Pennsylvania STEM Experiences for Equity and Diversity (PA SEED) Ecosystem is a collaboration of stakeholders committed to engaging its local and global community in connected science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning, thus cultivating a talent-rich workforce prepared to creatively address challenges, leverage opportunities, and fulfill tomorrow’s jobs.
The PA SEED Ecosystem:
Connects, cultivates, and leverages current assets and resources from the community of stakeholders (families and expanded learning programs, PK-12 education, institutes of higher education, STEM-rich institutions, non-profit organizations, business and industry,) to develop new capacities for STEM learning opportunities.
Makes STEM learning opportunities accessible, attainable, and desirable for all irrespective of race, gender, disability, belief, sexual orientation, age, or socio-economic background.
Works to secure funding and operate with fiscal responsibility in order to ensure ecosystem longevity.
Has leadership that demonstrates empathetic, socially responsible practices within the local and global community.
Provides relevant, STEM-driven learning experiences rooted in real-world challenges that increase the capacity to educate and mentor life-long learners and engage all stakeholders in authentic projects.
Establishes metrics for ecosystem success.