Today, the national STEMx network announced funding for four states to launch science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education advocacy programs. These efforts will shine a spotlight on the importance of high-quality STEM education and engage students in the legislative process.

The 2023 STEMx Challenge Grants funds projects in Arkansas, Maryland, Minnesota, and New Mexico. All four awards help STEMx member states highlight the need for state-level investments and support for STEM education programs as a workforce and equity imperative. The STEMx network, a coalition of leading STEM education organizations, selected the winners through a competitive process.

Each of the four winning proposals will achieve two goals. First, these awards will help organizations develop long-term STEM advocacy plans to mobilize support for STEM. Second, each state will plan, design, and execute a public advocacy event that elevates the role of STEM as a crucial component of economic development and provides students the opportunity to engage in education advocacy.

“Advocacy begins at the local level,” said Heather Sherman, Director of the STEMx network. “These programs build on a multi-year effort within the network, beginning with our 2022 STEMx on the Hill event, to elevate the voices of states in advocating for high-quality STEM education for all students.”

Each grantee will share their state advocacy plan and document the process of creating and executing their legislative advocacy day with other members in the national STEM ecosystem, furthering the national dialogue on expanding access to STEM through state investments.

Battelle manages the STEMx network and funded these grants as a part of the institution’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators.

“The opportunities funded today will help mobilize support for STEM as a priority in each of these states while offering students a window into the legislative process,” said Wes Hall, Vice-President of Education and Philanthropy at Battelle.

2023 STEMx Challenge Grant Awards:

Arkansas: The Arkansas STEM Coalition will host AR STEM @ the Capitol, and mini-grants for 100 students to create demonstration projects that feature the value of STEM for students.

Maryland: Maryland Business Roundtable will provide youth advocacy training for high-school students from rural and urban schools to prepare students to participate in Youth Congress Day as advocates for STEM education.

Minnesota: SciMathMN will lead the state’s first ever STEM Day at the Capitol, providing an opportunity for 150 students from rural and tribal schools to meet with state legislators to discuss the importance of STEM.

New Mexico: The Northern New Mexico STEAM Coalition will use grant funds to convene organizations to create a cohesive plan for innovation in STEAM education. These regional convenings will feature youth presentations from students who have participated in career technical education and work based learning programs. The funds will also support student participation in STEAM Day at the Legislature.

About STEMx

Launched in 2012, the STEMx network is a leading nationwide coalition of state STEM networks. Through the STEMx network, organizations can share opportunities and solutions for addressing some of education’s greatest obstacles. To learn more, visit www.stemx.us.

About Battelle

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230907989786/en/