SCIMATHMN IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE WE ARE
CURRENTLY SEEKING BOARD MEMBER APPLICANTS
FOR THE 2025-2026 TERM!

YOUR ROLE
Governance & Oversight: Provide strategic guidance and fiduciary
oversight of the SciMathMN’s operations, budget, and goals.

Mission Stewardship: Champion the mission and ensure all
Minnesotans feel welcome and can participate in the dynamic STEM
landscape of Minnesota.

Ambassadorship: Serve as public advocates for SciMathMN, including
with policymakers, funders, educators, and industry leaders.

Fund Development: Support fundraising through strategic
introductions, match contributions, and engagement in events or
campaigns.

WHAT WE ASK OF YOU:
Attend 6 board meetings annually.
Serve on at least one committee or task force.
Participate in the annual strategic planning session.
Provide input and guidance on key initiatives.
Term length: 2 years, with the option for renewal.
Estimated time commitment: 3–4 hours/month.

We meet on the 3rd Monday of the month for board meetings, every other month starting in September each year.  If this falls on a national holiday, we push it to the next week.

Here is the schedule we have for this year:

Here is the schedule we have for this year:

• Aug 21st (STEM Day at the Fair-Optional)
• Sept 15th
• Nov 17th
• Jan 26th
• Mar 16th
• May 18th

Meetings are 90 mins, and they are full of updates, great conversation, and learning for us all. 

We ask that Board members serve on one of our committees below, and they meet once a month for 45 minutes. ( all meetings are virtual or hybrid)

• Fund Development
• Marketing and Communications
• Policy and Advocacy
• STEM Day at the Fair
• STEM Day at the Capitol
• Curriculum, Standards and Frameworks
• STEM Network

E-mail exedir@scimathmn.org if you have any questions before you fill out your application.

Want to get more involved? This is your opportunity! The success of the day relies on all the volunteers stepping forward to make it happen. There will be lots to do but also lots of fun to be had. Your participation is key to the success of our annual STEM Day. Learn more about volunteering and sign up HERE!

With exhibitors’ and stage shows throughout the day- families will be able to explore weather, flight, augmented reality, robotics, medical technology, mapping techniques, environmental remediation strategies, 3D printing, and so much more. They will be able to discover STEM education providers that offer programs in schools, in their communities, and in the summer.

We’re excited to invite you to partner with SciMathMN for STEM Day at the Fair 2025. As the biggest STEM event in Minnesota, this is your chance to engage around 15,000 visitors through hands-on STEM experiences at the best day of the Minnesota State Fair.

Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
Location: Dan Patch Park, Minnesota State Fairgrounds

As a partner, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your organization, inspire future innovators, and connect with a diverse audience. Whether you’re a returning exhibitor or new to the event, we’d love to have you join us!

• See the impact: Watch our highlight video from last year’s event
• Review partnership and sponsorship opportunities: STEM Day 2025 Partnership Packet
• Register your interest: Complete this form by Friday, May 2 

This year’s theme #YouBelonginSTEM reinforces that everyone has a place in the STEM community and a future in STEM careers. We will celebrate the diverse individuals and roles shaping STEM today while highlighting the opportunities ahead.  

Reach out to Vic Dreier, SciMathMN Interim Executive Director, at execdir@scimathmn.org with any questions.

Join SciMathMN and the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem for an afternoon of all things STEM at the 2025 STEM Day at the Capitol! This exciting event takes place on Friday, January 31st, 2025 from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm at the Minnesota State Capitol (75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard, St Paul, MN 55155).

What to Expect:

• Discover innovative STEM programs from in-school and afterschool organizations.
• Learn about workforce development opportunities in STEM fields.
• Connect with members of the Minnesota STEM Community.

Why STEM? Watch SciMathMN’s STEM Day video to learn more!

Interested in Exhibiting?

Showcase your STEM program or organization at the event! Click here to learn more about exhibitor registration.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore the world of STEM!

Watch last year’s STEM Day at the Capitol video here!

We look forward to seeing you there!

There’s exciting news for computer science education in Minnesota! The recent Code.org 2024 State of CS Ed Report shows we’ve jumped from 50th to 48th place in terms of high school access to foundational computer science courses. While this is a small improvement, it represents the largest increase in high schools offering computer science among all states!

This progress highlights the dedication of educators and policymakers in Minnesota. However, the report also reveals we still have a long way to go. Here are some key takeaways:

• Only 36% of Minnesota public high schools offer foundational computer science. Nationally, the average is 60%.
• Young women and several student groups are underrepresented in computer science courses.

This is a crucial time for computer science education. Research shows that computer science courses can significantly increase student earnings, especially for low-income students, Black students, and young women.

The Good News: Minnesota Has a Plan!

The Minnesota Computer Science Working Group published a state plan in March 2024. This plan proposes 10 recommendations to expand access to computer science, including:

• Establishing an advisory committee.
• Creating flexible teacher certification pathways.
• Implementing grant programs.
• Requiring computer science integration in grades K-8.
• Requiring all high schools to offer computer science.

What We Can Do:

We can all play a role in advancing computer science education in Minnesota. Here are some ways you can get involved:

• Encourage your local school district to offer computer science courses.
• Support organizations like SciMathMN that advocate for computer science education.
• Consider volunteering as a computer science mentor for students.

By working together, we can ensure that all Minnesota students have the opportunity to learn computer science and prepare for success in a technology-driven world.

Learn More:

• Read the full Code.org 2024 State of CS Ed Report: https://bit.ly/StateofCSEduReport2024
• Minnesota Computer Science Working Group State Plan: https://bit.ly/MDECSEduPlan2024

Let’s make Minnesota a leader in computer science education!

Join SciMathMN for an engaging breakout session at the upcoming MN STEM Convening on October 14th, 2024 at the Dean Lakes Education Center in Shakopee, MN.

This FREE event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues, share best practices, and explore the future of STEM education in Minnesota.

Here’s why you should attend:

• Engaging Breakout Sessions: SciMathMN will be hosting a session titled “Building Forward” Discussion. This interactive session will be a great place to share ideas, network with peers, and explore innovative approaches to STEM education.
• Network with the STEM Community: Meet and collaborate with educators, afterschool program providers, industry leaders, and more!
• Explore the Latest Trends: Gain insights into K-12 STEM & CS updates from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and learn about exciting regional STEM activities.
• Free Registration: The MN STEM Convening is completely free to attend!

Don’t delay! Register today to secure your spot at this exciting event. ➡️ www.stemmn.org

Full Agenda:

• 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Registration
• 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Event Schedule (including breakout sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities)

We look forward to seeing you there!

We are thrilled to announce Sarah Ness as the new Chair of the SciMathMN Board of Directors! Sarah brings a wealth of experience in STEM education, leadership, and community building to this role. Her passion for empowering youth and her deep understanding of the Minnesota STEM ecosystem make her an ideal leader for SciMathMN. To learn more and view the entire newsletter, click here