Arizona STEM Network
The Arizona STEM Network is a first-of-its-kind strategic effort to help transform Arizona’s educational system for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The STEM Network is a unified approach that will provide educators, the business community and donors with a centralized infrastructure, tools, resources and framework to measure performance and achieve collective impact in Arizona classrooms.
The Arizona STEM Network's five-year plan, announced February 28, 2012, and led by SFAz, will leverage effective education practices and teaching advances including the state-adopted, internationally benchmarked Common Core Standards. The plan’s driving force is to help Arizona children be successful in school, careers and life.
The plan focuses on four strategic areas:
- Integrate STEM learning into Arizona schools and districts
- Develop and deploy a predictive analytics system to measure impacts
- Strengthen teacher effectiveness in STEM teaching
- Create opportunities for the private business sector to meaningfully engage with schools
The development of the Arizona STEM Network began after Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, Helios Education Foundation, JP Morgan Chase, Intel and the Research Corporation for Science Advancement tapped SFAz in 2010 to spearhead the initiative. Over a 14-month period, SFAz STEM staff met with more than 1,500 individuals from education, business and government in all 15 counties and the Navajo Nation, as well as the Arizona Department of Education and the State Board of Education, to determine statewide needs.
Since 2008, the Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation has been the leading financial supporter, providing a total of $2.2 million for the establishment of SFAz’s STEM initiative and development of the newly launched Arizona STEM Network and plan for implementation. Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation committed an additional $2.1 million over three years, beginning in 2012, that allows SFAz to roll out its plan for the Arizona STEM Network.
Watch Video: Arizona STEM: Making a Difference in Education
Watch Video: Developing STEM in Arizona and Around the Nation
