GOT STEM?

Monthly Newsletter - September 2024

• News from the McKinney Center
• Events, Workshops & Webinars
• Opportunities for Students & Families
• Classroom & Out-of-School Time Resources
• Grants, Funding & Scholarships
• Career Opportunities
• Articles and Publications

New Postings

• PHS Garden Tenders: How to Start and Sustain a Community Garden - Are you involved in a new community garden or looking to start one? Join us to learn what it takes to get a community garden started, and how to keep it going. This is not a gardening class -- we will cover recruiting and keeping volunteers; assessing and finding resources in your neighborhood; garden management; land ownership/security; forming partnerships, and How to Get Stuff Done! This class takes place on six Wednesday evenings: September 11, 18, 25, and October 2, 9, 16 from 6 - 8 pm in the PHS McLean Library.
• Revolutionize Your Classroom with AI - join this free, virtual professional development institute this Fall to to implement IBM SkillsBuild - a free digital learning platform designed to provide learners (13+) with comprehensive access to a wealth of resources and courses aimed at developing essential digital, technical, and professional skills. Various dates in September.
• Philadelphia Affinity Group Network (PAGN) - Teach Plus PA - Are you a teacher of color in Philadelphia looking for a supportive community? Come learn about our group in this virtual information session on September 12 at 3:00pm. Register HERE.
• Free PD for High School Biology Teachers and Middle School Life Science Teachers - The University of Pennsylvania Biology Department is sponsoring a free hybrid PD for high school biology teachers and middle school science teachers on Saturday, September 21, 9-12 AM. For more information and to register go HERE.

Previous Postings

• The Global Impact Forum 2024 - a groundbreaking event resulting from an exciting partnership between Global Silicon Valley (GSV) and Penn State. Set in the historic city of Philadelphia, the forum is designed to be an intersection of transformative education, AI innovation, and economic growth. The theme for TGIF 2024 is “Accelerating AI for Good” — an exposition of the positive impact that artificial intelligence can have upon the world to accelerate change at scale. September 22-25
• Undergraduate STEM Reform ... Now What? Transforming STEM Higher Education Conference - AAC&U and its Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL) to our 2024 Conference, a seven-star professional development experience that advances undergraduate STEM education reform by providing a national platform for the diverse perspectives and experiences of STEM faculty, particularly those from historically marginalized groups and institutions, to be inserted into national STEM reform discourse. November 7-9, 2024 at Arlington, VA

New Opportunities

• The Building Hero Project - Tiny WPA - is a community design leadership initiative for youth and adults to be designers, builders, civic leaders, entrepreneurs, and catalysts in their communities. Specifically, the Building Hero Training is a FREE multi-week program in which participants gain hands-on experience with digital and wood fabrication while learning valuable life-long design, building, prototyping, creative problem-solving, advocacy, storytelling, collaboration, and leadership skills. Applications are due September 4th.
• Coded by: Open House - During our Open House, you'll discover more about our mission and how we're making an impact. Our team will be on hand to answer any questions about our work, programs, curriculum, and what sets our students apart. September 5th or 10th 5:30 - 6:30 pm.
• Calling All Girl Bosses - A year-long program empowering girls in Philadelphia to lead the change they want to see in their neighborhoods. Developed by Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) as a blueprint to give Philadelphia girls in grades 6-12 the skills they need to identify a community problem and Take Action to find a solution. The program is FREE for girls. Lunch and transportation will be provided for each workshop.
• Cb101: Explore - Coded by: - This FREE, in-person 36-hour project-based course offers an introduction into the world of tech and entrepreneurship. By developing a business idea and creating a website, students will acquire foundational knowledge and essential technical skills that are crucial for their future careers. This course is for students 7th-12th grade, Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept.16-Dec. 17, 5:30-7:00. Registration is NOW OPEN until September 16th.
• Cb201: Build - Coded by: - Elevate your web development skills this FREE, in-person course that equips you with the essential tools to create an MVP and promotes creative problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking. This course is for students 7th-12th grade with some previous experience coding. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 16-Dec. 7, 5:30-7:00pm. Registration is NOW OPEN until September 16th.
• Widener Engineering Mini-Camp - The School of Engineering invites local high school students to learn about different engineering disciplines by interacting with faculty and current engineering students. A concurrent program for parents and guardians covers the admissions process, financial aid and planning for engineering school. September 27th from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Registration in NOW OPEN until September 23rd.
• K-12 Philly School Fair - Explore 200+ K-12 schools, 30+ community organizations serving school-aged children, and a robust information and application center where families can learn how to apply and submit applications of different school types. You won’t want to miss Philadelphia’s one-stop shop for all things school-selection, including admissions advice, application tips, important school program information, and more. Attendance is free to the public, but registration is required. September 27th from3-6pm and September 28th from 10am-2pm.
• Innovation League - an opportunity for entrepreneurial 9th to 12th grade students in Philadelphia who want to learn how to build businesses while growing their skills and solving problems in their community. Like a traditional sports league, students attend weekly practices led by tech mentors and build their technology, leadership, and social skills. Registration closes October 1st.

Previous Opportunities

• TeenSHARP Striver Program - A national nonprofit that prepares Black, Latino, and low-income students to attend and thrive at America’s top colleges with little or no debt, is excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2024-2025 program! Nominate your rising seniors today.
• Nature Quests for Families - Ready to go on an adventure? Join families from around the world exploring nature through fun, hands-on Nature Quests! Choose between outdoor or indoor quests, or mix it up.

New Resources

• National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) Youth as a Solution program - Don’t miss your chance to bring the NYLC program to your school, classroom, or organization this year! Form a Leadership Team – consisting of at least two youth in grades 6-12 + an adult mentor – and apply to work in one of our impact areas: education equity, community health, environmental justice, or civics and democracy. You’ll follow our guided service-learning process to take action and generate positive change, and you’ll have access to NYLC support, materials, professional development, and funding ($250-$1,000) to implement your project! Applications are due by Friday, September 13, 2024, 11:59 PM CST.
• NBA Math Hoops - a program of Learn Fresh, leverages the game of basketball and the NBA/WNBA brands to build fundamental math and social-emotional skills through a physical and digital basketball-themed board game, a curriculum, and a community program experience. Designed for students in grades 4-8, this free program develops students’ algebra readiness prior to entering high school, while strengthening important skills including self-regulation and executive function. Sixers Math Hoops Training Camps present by SYF are Tuesday, October 1st from 11:00-12:00pm and 5:00-6:00pm.
• Super Human Body: World of Medical Marvels - Educational Resources Hub - these educational STEM resources and hands-on activities focus on the amazing biology of the human body and how scientific discoveries and advances in medical engineering play a role in helping us live longer, healthier lives. Use them paired with the IMAX film or on their own.
• Science Lab Safety Agreements - Carolina Biological - Carolina offers this free general laboratory agreement and course specific agreements in Spanish as well as English to ensure both students and parents understand the necessity for classroom lab safety. 
• PA State Parks Educators August E-Blast - We have curated lots of GOOD, FREE STUFF to help you out this new, school year!

Previous Resources

• Natural Inquirer - this program produces a variety of free science education materials for PreK through grade 12. Natural Inquirer products are produced by the USDA Forest Service, FIND Outdoors, and other cooperators and partners.
• Start with a Book - a summer and out-of-school-time learning project from Reading Rockets, it offers parents, caregivers, summer program staff and librarians lots of engaging ideas for free for getting kids hooked on reading, exploring and learning all summer long — and beyond.
• Robot Enrichment Programs - Brooklyn Robot Foundry - We offer robot-building classes for kids 2-12 years old that have been designed to push into schools, camps, community centers, or anywhere there's room to build! Every student gets to build their own robot each day and take it home afterward for more fun!
• Starborn Academy - We empower students to step into the boots of an astronaut and face exciting challenges and missions that incorporate a variety of STEM concepts, We introduce an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) learning program designed to increase student interest in STEM career pathways for ages 11+.
• High School Student Spotlight: Showcasing Pennsylvania High School Students - Teachers, are you looking for a platform to showcase the incredible ideas and solutions your students have developed to make a difference in their community? This is their chance to shine, highlighting their creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills to a wide audience of entrepreneurs, innovators, industry professionals, and higher education institutions. Join in us Philadelphia for an amazing opportunity to elevate your students' projects and ideas to new heights. September 23, 2024 10:ooam to 1:00pm

New Listings:

• Les Paul Foundation - The foundation invites applications for grants in support of programs and projects that encourage innovation in music production and/or performance and innovative STEM or STEAM programs for students and others in challenging situations. Proposals for medical research related to curing tinnitus and other hearing impairment issues are considered, as are proposals that inspire the public through support of public exhibits presenting Les Paul’s life and achievements. Deadline to apply is September 15, 2024
• The Allstate Foundation 2024-2025 College Service Grants - in partnership with the Center for Expanding Leadership & Opportunity, grants of $10,000 will be distributed to support youth-led, youth-driven community service at community colleges, HBCUs, and other vital higher education institutions across the United States. These grants are intended to support (re)defining youth empowerment for a new generation and help usher in a return to service for young people in the midst of a global pandemic and quickly evolving technologies. Institutions are required to apply by September 27, 2024.
• Circuit Trails Coalition Community Grant Program - the Pennsylvania Environmental Council is accepting applications for the this grant, funded by the William Penn Foundation. The program provides one-year grants of $1,000 to $12,000 for projects that increase a sense of welcome, belonging, and safety among under-represented groups on the Circuit Trails, a network of hundreds of miles of multi-use trails throughout nine counties in the Greater Philadelphia region (PA and NJ). Grant applications are due by Monday, September 30, 2024 at 5pm
• 2025 Environmental Education Grant - DEP’s Environmental Education Grants Program welcomes applications for the development of innovative formal and non-formal environmental education projects that: 1) Address grant program priorities; 2) Provide opportunities to expand the public’s understanding of Pennsylvania’s environmental issues; and 3) Develop skills required to make informed decisions and take responsible action on behalf of the environment. Application Deadline: November 15, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.

Previous Listings:

• The Awesome Foundation - is microphilanthropy in action. We make a $1,000 grant every other month to fund awesomeness. Let us know what you are planning, why it's awesome, and how you plan to spend the money.
• Game On-Community Places to Play - an initiative of The DICK’s Sporting Goods Foundation and LISC. The initiative provides funding and technical assistance to community-rooted organizations working to create and renovate multi-use youth sport spaces for youth ages 6-24 years old in under-resourced communities across the country. Special consideration will be given to programs that support youth development, including civic engagement & leadership. The application deadline is September 5, 2024
• Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants - this grants program supports non-profit organizations in three major focus areas: Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Education, especially blue collar and non-traditional STEM programs; Habitat: The interaction between people, buildings and the environment or sustainable building (energy conservation and environmental concern); and Local Communities: Community development, especially in the area of housing. Next grant request submission date is September 30, 2024.
• Ben & Jerry’s Foundation - The foundation invites applications to its National Grassroots Organizing Program (NGO), which offers two-year, unrestricted, general operating support grants of up to $30,000 per year—with an average grant size of $20,000 per year—to small, constituent-led grassroots organizations across the United States and its territories. Our new rolling process for applications is now open for 2024 through October.

New Postings

• High School Science Teacher - The Bridge Way School - this full-time position will lead science courses for grades 9-12 by developing strong curriculum, utilizing virtual courseware, writing intentional lesson plans, differentiating material, and assessing for progress toward mastery with deliberate feedback. STEM Professional and Curriculum Development. Please submit cover letter, resume, and contact information to erin.bernard@thebridgewayschool.org
• Netter UACS Nutrition Educator - this place-based position will be rooted at a local UACS K-12 West Philadelphia public school. The position specifically supports nutrition education and wellness by infusing health and wellness activities and policies throughout. The position both helps coordinate and provide direct instruction during the school day, afterschool, and summer. Other positions also available.
• Administrative Coordinator - Pennsylvania Educator Diversity Consortium (PEDC) - this remote, part-time position contributes to increasing the efficiency of PEDC’s operations by providing essential support in managing administrative tasks, facilitating communication, and ensuring seamless coordination across various organizational functions.
• Director of Programs - Philadelphia Solar Energy Association - PSEA’s work is expanding, with solar rapidly growing across the state. We are hiring a part-time Program Director to manage teacher training, and to serve as the Project Lead for the Junior Solar Sprint.
• Mathematics Faculty - West Catholic Preparatory High School - Candidates interested in this teaching position should send their resume, and transcripts to Mr. Michael Field, Principal at mfield@westcatholic.org
• Policy Manager - Center for Black Educator Development - We are seeking a dynamic and motivated leader to join our organization. Reporting to the Director of External Affairs, they will work to develop the organization’s policy agenda. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strategic thinking, research skills, effective communication skills, and project management expertise. 
• Science Faculty - West Catholic Preparatory High School - Candidates interested in this teaching position should send their resume, and transcripts to Mr. Michael Field, Principal at mfield@westcatholic.org
• West Chester Earth Science Tutor - Varsity Tutors, a Nerdy Company - Help students reach their goals with specialized tools designed to enhance the entire tutoring experience

Previous Postings

• String Theory Schools - is looking for talented individuals to join our school teams at Philadelphia Performing Arts Arts and Sciences, where we're redefining what it means to learn and grow. We are currently hiring for various positions across our schools, including: Teachers (K-12), Administrators, Counselors, and Support Staff.
• Supplemental Instructors, Peirce College - Summer and Fall - We are looking for Supplemental Instruction Leaders for various courses to start as soon as July 1st.
• Senior Youth Development Specialist: Group Leader - Fab Youth - Fab Youth Philly is seeking to hire a full-time, exceptional individual who will be a part of our Youth Programs Team. You will be responsible for the supervision and support of small groups of teens in our various Out-of-School Time (OST) programs, as well as other afterschool, summer, and weekend programing such as Skills for a Fab Life, Youth Advisory Board and more.
• Assistant Director, Dowdy Multicultural Center - West Chester University -Reporting to the Director, the Assistant Director assists with developing, implementing, and facilitating programs, services, and resources to promote success for multicultural students. As part of a dynamic team, this position leads efforts to increase awareness and appreciation for racial and cultural diversity; improve retention and graduation rates for multicultural students, advocacy, and improved understanding and appreciation of issues related to multiculturalism.

Articles & Publications:

• Guidance on the Future of Computer Science Education in an Age of AI - TeachAI & CSTA (2024).
• Backbone Leadership Is Different: The Skills and Mindset Shifts Needed for Collective Impact, by Dominique Samari, JD, and Paul Schmitz, Collective Impact Forum, August 2024
• A Framework for Digital Equity - Jessica K. Jackson, Jeffrey Starr, Ed.D., and D’Andre Weaver, Ph.D., Digital Promise, August 2024
• U.S. Department of Education Announces Schedule and New Process to Launch 2025-26 FAFSA Form, U.S. Department of Education Press Office, August 7, 2024
• Keys to Scale: How to Grow the Impact of Education-to-Career Pathway Intermediaries, Education Strategy Group, August 2024
• 6 Best Learn-to-Code Resources Online - Sarah Silbert, ThoughtCo., March 2024
• 3 Ways to Relieve Back to School ‘Overwhelm’ - Julie Schmidt Hasson, MiddleWeb, August 2024

Previous Articles & Publications:

• Student Success Impact Report 2024 - Data-Activated Strategies: What Works to Advance Student Success, Civitas Learning, 2024
• Keep Tomorrow's Innovators Local, Danae Mobley and Maya Heiland, The Philadelphia Citizen, June 2024
• A New Vision for High-Quality Preschool Curriculum, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2024
• EBook - Your Roadmap for Becoming a Forensic Scientist: How to prepare for and land your first entry-level forensic scientist job in the U.S. Vol. 1, Antoinette T. Campbell, 2023