Identify Partners Aligned with Vision and Mission
Communicating Mission
and Vision »STEM Centers vary in size, scale, and mission and vision so their partnership needs will vary as well. STEM Centers may support an individual unit, a single institution, or a state, or regional/national network (ecosystem) of campuses or institutions. They may also be comprised of brick and mortar or be more conceptual in nature. Further, STEM Centers may primarily support K-12, undergraduate education, graduate education, workforce development, informal education, educational research, assessment and evaluation, or many simultaneous missions. The creation of appropriate partnerships requires that a STEM Center has clearly identified its mission, vision, and goals. You have to know who you are before you can know how to partner effectively with others.
Know your Center's Place in Context
Effective STEM Centers consider the elements of a logic model in establishing partnerships, specifically the inputs and resources required by the Center. These should include the scale, audience, function, and position of the Center in the larger enterprise. Some STEM Centers are large, state-wide networks that support multiple institutions to increase student success while others are STEM Centers that provide resources focused on the needs of one particular institution. Additionally, Centers may be focused on faculty development, teaching improvement, research opportunities for faculty, or a mixture of several foci.
The UH Office of STEM Education supports STEM activities at all ten UH campuses in a state-wide network.
Berea's STEM Education Center (SEC) will be focused on building student skills and core knowledge to enhance success in classes on campus.
Develop a list of potential internal and external partners.
Once a STEM Center has a clear mission and vision and understands its context, it is vital to scan the landscape for potential partners. Partnerships should be thought of broadly and inclusively as well as with an eye toward future activities, as it is always easier to call on an established relationship rather than building them after they are needed. Building formal partnerships external to the organization may require more careful planning, but informal "friendships" such as maintaining a positive relationship with your IRB should not be overlooked. STEM Centers should prioritize the list of partnerships based on the needs and mutual benefits of each partner.