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

Call for Board Members

SciMathMN invites community members to join the Board of Directors for the 2024/25 season. This is an exciting time for our growing organization. We are seeking a mix of business/industry leaders, workforce experts, education, and STEM advocates to help steer SciMathMN in the coming years. To learn more, please review the Board Member Description attachment. To express your interest, please complete the Board member application and return it via email to Colleen Riley, Executive Director, execdir@scimathmn.org.

SciMathMN Board Application

SciMathMN Board Member Description

Participants weathered a powerful ice storm and challenging roads to ensure the 2024 STEM Day at the Capitol was a successful endeavor. Over 30 organizations participated in the STEM showcase for policymakers, staffers and the media. Minnesota’s STEM community is doing is doing its part to prepare young people for impactful careers in STEM. SciMathMN was pleased to partner with the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem, under the leadership of Emily Sead. A special thank you to Cap O’Rourke for helping us navigate logistics and the State Capitol, and STEMx for serving a sponsor of the program. To view a video recap of the day, CLICK HERE.

SciMathMN has welcomed James Brickwedde as interim executive director to guide the organization as it launches a search for a permanent executive director. James replaces the former director, Jim Davnie, who is pursuing other opportunities while also assisting in the transition.

James Brickwedde is the director of the Project for Elementary Mathematics. The Project is a professional development agency that supports teachers in developing instructional practices used with K-5 students in developing their mathematical understandings. He has a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota with a concentration in mathematics education. He served on the faculty of Hamline University’s School of Education & Leadership from 2011 – 2021 supporting teacher candidates in their content and pedagogy coursework in elementary mathematics. Prior to that he was a classroom teacher for the Hopkins Public Schools from 1989-2011 teaching first, second, and fourth grades. Prior to a career in education, he has non-profit management experience in both arts and science education organizations. He spent six years on the SciMathMN board including serving as treasurer for 3 years and 2 years as chair of the Standards & Frameworks Committee. He currently is co-leader on the MDE/Compass grant for SciMathMN upgrading aspects of the Minnesota STEM Teacher website.

SciMathMN is in the process of planning its search process for the next permanent executive director. Update to that process will be posted here and on our social media accounts.

Minnesota’s biggest celebration of all thing’s science, engineering, technology, and mathematics is SciMathMN STEM Day at the Fair.  We’ve been opening the state fair for 13 years now, bringing 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 24, and you are invited!

This year will be the largest event ever.  With 40 exhibitors’ families will be able to explore magnetism, 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.  Minnesota corporations and governments will show how they employ a wide variety of STEM skills to innovate, serve their customers and residents.

Programming on our affiliated stage will include the National Eagle Center from Wabasha, ABC6 meteorologist Randy Brock, the always popular University of Minnesota Physics Force, and Concordia University-Moorhead’s Science Academy. We will honor Minnesota finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching with the help of the Minnesota Department of Education.

None of this would be possible without our generous sponsors.  They include Boston Scientific, MTS Systems, Andersen Windows and Doors, Medtronic, Emerson, The Minnesota Department of Transportation, Hennepin County, Abbott Laboratories, Silk Road Medical, and Xcel Energy.  New sponsors this year include the Hormel Institute, the Engineering Education Foundation of America, and Savvas Learning.

It’s always the best day of summer.  Please join us!