The convergence of STEM and CTE offer an opportunity to equip students for future success. This session will explore a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at preparing high school students for careers in emerging technology career fields. The partnership creates interconnected initiatives designed to align educational outcomes with the skills needed for in-demand career pathways. By sharing best practices, the session aims to inspire attendees to pursue cross-sector collaborations.
Full Description:
This session will provide an in-depth look at a collaborative effort between the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem, the MN State Engineering Center of Excellence, and High Tech Kids. Funded by a single grant opportunity, this partnership focuses on expanding competitive robotics, providing internships in emerging technology career fields, and introducing students to in-demand careers through a LEAN module-based curriculum. Participants will gain insights into how these initiatives are integrated to create a cohesive program that aligns educational outcomes with workforce needs. The discussion will cover the successes and challenges faced in implementing these initiatives, particularly in reaching and engaging underserved populations.
The session will also provide a platform for exploring how similar cross-sector collaborations can be developed and implemented. Attendees will leave with practical knowledge and inspiration to initiate or enhance their own efforts in aligning educational outcomes with workforce development, ultimately contributing to the preparation of students for high-wage, high-skill careers in emerging technology fields.
•Robotics Expansion and Support: Led by High Tech Kids, this initiative focuses on expanding competitive robotics across the state, especially in rural and underserved communities. By providing resources, mentorship, and support, this effort not only introduces students to robotics but also fosters essential in-demand career skills such as coding, engineering, and problem-solving. The program is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from hands-on STEM learning.
•STEM-Based Internships: The Minnesota STEM Ecosystem is spearheading a program that offers both micro and immersive STEM internships, in cooperation with several of the education cooperatives across the state. These internships are tailored to provide real-world experience in emerging technology career areas, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings. The focus on rural areas and underserved populations ensures that these opportunities are accessible to a wider range of students, helping to bridge the gap between education and the workforce.
•STEM Career Exploration and Employability Skill Development: The MN State Engineering Center of Excellence has developed "An Introduction to STEM Careers," a LEAN Curriculum designed as a "Train-the-Trainer" model. This curriculum equips educators, program providers and employers with the tools to teach critical workplace skills such as team-building, organization, critical thinking, and communication through activities based on LEAN principles. The curriculum not only introduces students to fundamental employability skills but also aligns these skills with in-demand careers.
You'll learn how to:- Demonstrate the Power of Collaboration: Showcase how cross-sector collaborations between nonprofits and academic institutions can align STEM education with workforce development goals, creating stronger learning outcomes and better preparing students for future careers.
- Highlight Successes and Challenges: Discuss the successes and challenges of implementing these initiatives, particularly in reaching underserved populations and creating equitable opportunities.
- Provide Actionable Insights: Offer participants actionable insights and strategies for developing similar collaborations, emphasizing scalability and sustainability.
Target Audience:Educators, nonprofit leaders, industry partners, policymakers, and others interested in expanding access to workforce readiness initiatives.
