Facilitating Formal–Informal Connections in Rural STEM Ecosystems

Graphical Abstract

“STEM Guides” serve as human brokers to connect 10- to 18-year-old youth from rural Maine in STEM education opportunities that already exist in their communities, including after-school programs, clubs, camps, library activities, special events, contests, and competitions.

Abstract

The idea of “STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning ecosystems” is becoming increasingly popular as a way to describe what researchers and practitioners do to “provide the architecture for cross-sector learning, offering all young people access to STEM-rich learning environments” (STEM Funders Network 2017). STEM ecosystems involve active collaboration among schools, out-of-school programs, libraries, businesses, universities, and related organizations.

Keywords:

• Informal Education

Author Contributions

Jan Mokros ([email protected]) is senior research scientist at Science Education Solutions in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Jennifer Atkinson ([email protected]) is a project manager at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance in Augusta, Maine.

Sue Allen ([email protected]) is a senior research scientist at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance in Augusta, Maine.

Alyson Saunders ([email protected]) is a science teacher at Dexter Regional High School in Dexter, Maine, and a former Lead STEM Guide at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance in Augusta, Maine.

Kate Kastelein ([email protected]) is a research associate at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance in Augusta, Maine.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jan Mokros

Jan Mokros ([email protected]) is senior research scientist at Science Education Solutions in Los Alamos, New Mexico.

Jennifer Atkinson

Jennifer Atkinson ([email protected]) is a project manager at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance in Augusta, Maine.

Sue Allen

Sue Allen ([email protected]) is a senior research scientist at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance in Augusta, Maine.

Alyson Saunders

Alyson Saunders ([email protected]) is a science teacher at Dexter Regional High School in Dexter, Maine, and a former Lead STEM Guide at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance in Augusta, Maine.

Kate Kastelein

Kate Kastelein ([email protected]) is a research associate at the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance in Augusta, Maine.