Rhode Island STEM Center
logo_print_tiff (TIFF 4.9MB Oct14 15)Mission: To provide leadership and advocacy for increasing science, technology, engineering, arts + design and mathematics (STEAM) literacy in Rhode Island through sustainable partnerships with higher education, PK-12, business and industry, after school programs, non-profit organizations, community-based groups, and government agencies that are dedicated to building long-term interest and active engagement in STEAM among ALL Rhode Islanders through the continual sharing and exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences.
Located at Rhode Island College
Established: 2009
Profile submitted by Carol M. Giuriceo, Director
Vision and Goals
Vision: To grow as a center where creative and visionary ideas in science, technology, engineering, arts + design and mathematics (STEAM) education are nurtured and implemented leading to a thriving STEAM-literate population where ALL Rhode Islanders will be able to understand, participate, and contribute fully to 21st century society.
Center/Program Structure
The Rhode Island STEM Center was established as a centralized, focused, and coordinated hub for statewide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education efforts. The creation of the STEM Center followed a statewide initiative that identified the need for improving STEM education. In 2008 state and federal funding allowed the construction of the main facilities of the STEM Center on the second floor of the Henry Barnard School at Rhode Island College. The establishment of the STEM Center supported the development of partnerships among business/industry, PK-12, higher education, after school programs, community-based organizations, non-profits, and government agencies to support STEM education and improved communications among the groups.
The Rhode Island STEM Center continues to grow with the strengthening of current partnerships and the building of new relationships in both the public and private sectors. Our programs focus on making STEM or STEAM more accessible, "user-friendly," and relevant to all students. The STEM Center operates with the belief that a basic understanding of STEAM helps people explore the world and make informed decisions. STEAM fields offer creative and engaging careers that are both personally fulfilling and serve a crucial purpose. Although not everyone is going to work within the STEM or STEAM industry, everyone needs the skills and practices that STEAM offers.
The Rhode Island STEM Center is staffed by one full-time director who works with contacts across the state.
Description of Programming
One-day events: Strong collaboration with education and industry partners allows the organization and implementation of one-day targeted events that focus on the Rhode Island STEM Center's mission. Examples include:
- TECH Expo and Technology Student Association (TSA) Competition: In collaboration with the Rhode Island Technology Educators Association, the STEM Center features a showcase and competition that brings together representatives from STEM industries with students and teachers from school-based technology education programs and afterschool programs.
- STEM in the Middle and Career Expo: Working with Rhode Island IT Professional Association, middle schools girls participate in hands-on workshops led by STEM women from across the state.
Idea Exchange: Development of relationships with higher education, PK-12, business and industry, after school programs, non-profit organizations, community-based groups, and government agencies for the purpose of increasing STEAM literacy in Rhode Island.
Outreach: Participation on internal and external committees allows the sharing of ideas and expertise while building awareness for STEM Center initiatives Examples include participation on:
- Center for Research and Creative Activity Steering Team – a faculty and staff effort to increase undergraduate research within the context of course enhancement.
- Rhode Island State Leadership Team for Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) – a multi-stakeholder effort to increase knowledge and use of NGSS across the state through the building of communities of knowledge and support.
- Innovation Lab – a shared community between a college and a high needs school district to develop and pilot sustainable and replicable programs in urban education, community development, and healthy communities.
Successes and Impacts
The Rhode Island STEAM Now Coalition (Coalition) was organized by the Rhode Island STEM Center in Summer 2014 to focus the interest of stakeholders from business, industry, PK-16 and informal education, foundations, and government agencies to improve science, technology, engineering, arts + design, mathematics (STEAM) education throughout Rhode Island. During the past year, the Coalition has grown to a broad alliance of approximately 250 individuals representing business, education, and government. The long-term vision of the Coalition is to develop a STEAM-literate population in Rhode Island who will possess the skills to become productive citizens in the 21st century and who will have the capacity to contribute and invigorate the Rhode Island economy.
Discussions continue with the Governor's Office to create a non-partisan state level STEAM Council with the Rhode Island STEM Center taking a leadership role.
Elements Contributing to Success
Emphasis on collaboration: The willingness and enthusiasm of individuals and organizations to participate in building a coalition, offering feedback, and supporting joint projects and initiatives have allowed relationships to grow and thrive despite differences.
Small geographic size of Rhode Island (1,045 square miles): Traveling from one part of the state to any other part can be done easily within a short time frame. Benefits of this short distance include the ability to meet face-to-face for discussions. Networks are strengthened by the cross-sector attendance at different STEM and STEAM events throughout the state.