SciMathMN

2025 STEM Day at the Fair

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Minnesota’s biggest celebration of all thing’s science, engineering, technology, and mathematics is SciMathMN STEM Day at the Fair. And in keeping with tradition- we are excited to announce once again STEM Day will be opening day! SciMathMN will bring STEM education providers and corporate leaders together in Dan Patch Park on the Fairgrounds in front of the Grandstand. This year’s celebration is Thursday, August 21, and you are invited!

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.

SOUTHEAST SERVICE COOPERATIVE AWARDED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SERVICE CONTRACT FOR SCIMATHMN

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SciMathMN is pleased to announce that the Southeast Service Cooperative (SSC) has been awarded the Executive Director Service Contract. This partnership marks a significant step forward for SciMathMN, bringing together two organizations dedicated to advancing STEM education in Minnesota.

As SciMathMN enters this new chapter in partnership with SSC, exciting developments are on the horizon. From expanded educator resources to renewed advocacy for STEM excellence, this partnership will spark fresh ideas and innovative strategies to support Minnesota’s learners and educators! Read more below or download the full announcement.

SciMath Partnership 5.12.25Download

SciMathMN STEM Day at the Fair 2025!

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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!

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.

SciMathMN Celebrates STEM Day at the Capitol!

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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!

Minnesota Makes Strides in Computer Science Education, But More Work Needed!

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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:

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

Don’t Miss SciMathMN’s Breakout Session at the MN STEM Convening!

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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!

SciMathMN New Board Leadership and Sponsor Thank you- STEM Day at the Fair 2024

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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