May 2021 – NeoSTEM having a home

Those who attended the May 2, 2021, meeting of the NeoSTEM Ecosystem discussed the possibility of NeoSTEM establishing a home in a Mid-Town location. The idea of co-locating in the building that MAGNET is renovating was discussed as a possibility.

The foundational principle guiding this idea of NeoSTEM having a home is that it would not create programming and instead develop a space for multiple partners to bring programming there.

NeoSTEM Ecosystem members broke into small breakout groups to identify some of the questions that would need to be addressed in order to properly plan for this. The discussion from the three breakout groups is summarized below.

Key Takeaways:

• The planning process must be dominated by and centered upon those whom the NeoSTEM Ecosystem seeks to serve – students and their families of the surrounding neighborhood.
• Focus groups should be held with students, families, educators and other stakeholders to uncover needs, aspirations, potential challenges and opportunities.
• It might be advisable to pilot the idea at numerous sites. (For instance, NeoSTEM coordinates programing at various sites throughout the community.)

Needed Teams:

Feasibility 

Operations

• Programming – including digital literacy

Engagement – Recruitment 

Training

Community Outreach

• Access/liaison

Assessment

Sustainability 

Questions:

How will this facility be sustainable?

Is it unique and different?

What are the primary sources of funding?

What limitations would there be?

• Some partners cannot physically provide programming out of their service areas

How will students/families get there?

Would it be a good idea to start with multiple locations to garner support and involvement and then consider moving to a central location?

What infrastructure will be needed?

How do we create a safe post-pandemic environment for youth and families?

How will we ensure accessibility?

Can there be any incentives (compensation) to motivate participants and workers?

How do we get organizations to the table?

How will safety concerns be addressed as well as background checks?

How do we engage people in meaningful ways?

Can we operate focus groups in the communities we want to serve? 

• Use MyCOM, libraries etc.
• Use focus groups to test and pilot programming
• Reach parents – What do you want? What do you need? What do you know?

Who Needs to be at the table & How do we get them there?

CMSD – Kirsten M. 

Residents of the community 

• Neighborhood group

Potential funders

Higher education

Libraries

Industry

Youth

Potential partners (organizations with a STEM focus)

• Museums – Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland Museum of Natural History
• First Ring Superintendents – thought partnership on COVID-era “new normal”
• Organizations that deal with career exploration/exposure
  • Employers
  • Service/training providers
  • Educational institutions