About Us
WHO WE ARE
The NEOSTEM Ecosystem is a dynamic network of organizations across Northeast Ohio, united by a shared mission to enhance STEM education for all. Since its inception in 2014, the Ecosystem has been dedicated to expanding meaningful STEM learning opportunities that prepare students for a rapidly evolving world.
As part of the global STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice, the NEOSTEM Ecosystem connects stakeholders through regular virtual and in-person meetings to identify community needs and drive innovative solutions.
This collaborative framework fosters partnerships where one organization’s strengths can fulfill another’s needs, creating a vibrant exchange of resources and ideas.
When a community need arises without an existing solution, NEOSTEM works with select partners to co-create responsive programming. By leveraging the expertise and contributions of its network, the Ecosystem ensures that gaps are addressed effectively, empowering students and educators with impactful STEM experiences.
While STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, its essence is fostering a mindset that nurtures critical thinking skills.
Mission
The NEOSTEM Ecosystem promotes excellence in STEM education, including AI and emerging technologies, empowering learners to innovate, lead, and build a sustainable future.
Vision
As a catalyst for transformation, the NEOSTEM Ecosystem will elevate Northeast Ohio into a nationally recognized hub of STEM excellence and innovation, fostering a high-achieving region where all learners realize their full potential.
Our Values
Opportunity & Achievement
We believe in providing high-quality STEM learning experiences that empower students to discover and develop their talents. We support students in building the knowledge and skills needed to achieve their goals while also contributing to their community’s economic growth, innovation, and prosperity.
Innovation & Adaptability
We embrace change and technological advancement, believing that continuous learning and adaptation are essential for preparing students for the future. We champion creative thinking and welcome new approaches to solving educational challenges.
Collaboration & Community
We believe that meaningful change happens through partnership and shared purpose. We value the unique strengths each organization brings to our Ecosystem and recognize that collective efforts exceed what any single entity could achieve alone.
Excellence & Agency
We believe in the talent and capabilities of learners and communities. We value initiative and a commitment to achieving their full potential in STEM.
Evidence & Impact
We are committed to high standards and measurable outcomes in all that we do. We value data-driven decisions and evidence-based practices while remaining open to innovative approaches that can enhance learning and achievement.
Sustainability & Growth
We believe in building lasting change through careful stewardship of resources, intentional capacity building, and developing capable leadership throughout our Ecosystem.
What is a STEM Ecosystem?
STEM ecosystems intricately link different entities, from companies to grassroots organizations to advancing STEM education, research, and innovation, driving community engagement, and economic growth.
STEM Ecosystems harness the power of diverse entities such as companies, universities, research institutions, grassroots organizations, schools, museums, government bodies, utilities, and more. This network of collaboration revolves around a shared commitment to advancing STEM education, research, innovation, and economic growth. The impact of an Ecosystem centers around:
- Cultivating a vibrant STEM-literate community and a skilled workforce.
- Fostering collaborative innovation that thrives on community engagement.
- Enhancing STEM learning opportunities, resulting in economic & workforce development.
Enhancing Community Empowerment Through Collaborative Efforts
The challenge arises in bridging different entities and stakeholders within STEM Ecosystems, often leading to fragmented efforts and limited impact. The lack of cohesive collaboration and shared focus can hinder the realization of a truly empowered community capable of addressing modern challenges effectively.
The Power of STEM Communities of Practice for Community Growth and Economic Prosperity
To address this, an ideal approach involves engaging individuals from varied backgrounds, driven by a shared interest, to advance STEM opportunities. They pool their different expertise through a collaborative spirit to generate fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and promising practices. This effort aligns stakeholders, breaks down silos, and propels meaningful change toward fostering a robust STEM-literate community, driving workforce development, and ensuring economic growth.
Global STEM Ecosystems
NEOSTEM is one of almost 120 STEM Ecosystems located around the United States and internationally, providing our partners access to worldwide expertise, collaborative opportunities, and proven strategies for advancing STEM education.
Thriving Ecosystems
STEM Ecosystems represent a transformative approach to STEM education and workforce development, bringing together different partners to create comprehensive learning opportunities for all. Five key pillars, informed by years of research and practical experience, guide the strategic direction, shape the collective impact, and serve as a roadmap for our efforts to transform STEM education and prepare learners for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
A Unified Approach Through Five Pillars
- Partnership: Collaborative alliances between businesses, non-profits, universities, and schools form the bedrock of thriving STEM ecosystems. These partnerships provide access to varied resources, perspectives, and learning opportunities, igniting interest and raising awareness about STEM pathways.
- Systems: Effective leadership, STEM ambassadors, and sustainability are pivotal components. Visionary
leaders drive innovation, STEM ambassadors inspire adaptability, all working in to nurture an environment of growth. - Aligned Teaching and Learning: Bridging gaps, fostering innovation, and cultivating talent are at the core of STEM learning. By offering high-quality opportunities, STEM
Ecosystems prepare individuals for high-demand careers. - Measurement: The power of data-driven decision making and research guides STEM Ecosystems.
Measurement tracks progress, identifies areas for improvement, guides resource allocation, and demonstrates impact, securing support and resources. - Workforce: The cornerstone of economic growth is a robust STEM workforce. Collaboration between education, industry, and stakeholders results in the development of skilled STEM talent, driving innovation and prosperity.