STEM Leaders Academy

Creating STEM schools that are models of high-quality STEM instruction

The STEM Leaders Academy was created to increase the quality of STEM education throughout the State by providing consultation and professional development to leaders from aspiring STEM schools. During the year-long academy, school teams will be guided through a process to create a strategic plan and school-specific roadmap for improving STEM education and earning the Governor’s STEM School Designation.

Program Overview

OSIT is inviting applications from schools across the state to convene for a series of informational sessions, workshops, and team planning meetings. Participating school teams will receive STEM professional learning, develop a strategic plan, receive tools and resources, and have the opportunity to submit a grant application to OSIT for up to $25,000 to implement their strategic plan. Participating schools are encouraged to apply for the Governor’s STEM School Designation after implementing their plans.

The STEM Leaders Academy will investigate the following topics:

Defining STEM
School-wide systems that support a STEM culture
STEM equity
Staff buy-in
Logic models
SWOT analysis
Engineering
Science and Engineering Practices
3D Learning
STEM integration
Nevada STEM Framework
Phenomena
Teamwork and collaboration
Professional development
Real-World problem solving
Stakeholder engagement
Community partnerships
College and career STEM pathways

Requirements

School teams must be motivated and committed to enhancing STEM learning at the school
School teams must consist of 5-8 people, and must include at least one administrator and teachers from a mix of grades and subjects
Teams must commit to meeting times across the year (Funding for substitutes is not provided by OSIT)

Notes:

Schools at all levels of implementation are invited to apply.
The academy is not a requirement to receive the Governor STEM School Designation. Alternatively, participation in the academy does not guarantee designation.