The MINNDEPENDENT STEM Program encourages and supports MINNDEPENDENT member schools in their efforts to introduce and enhance STEM education in their schools. The program offers financial support in the form of STEM Grants, product donations from corporate partners and subsidies for access to community-based STEM resources. The program also promotes teacher professional development through an annual STEM Education Conference and opportunities for teachers to network and share ideas.
Since piloting the STEM Grant Program in 2009, MINNDEPENDENT has raised funds for and awarded 235 STEM Grants exceeding $1 million. Grants have been nearly equally divided between high schools (54%) and elementary/middle schools (46%).
MINNDEPENDENT STEM Grant Program
Provides financial support to MINNDEPENDENT member schools to help them introduce or enhance STEM learning opportunities for their students. All MINNDEPENDENT member schools are eligible to apply for a STEM grant.
STEM Education Conference
Offers educators from all non-public schools in Minnesota the opportunity to experience innovative ways to engage students in integrated STEM learning experiences. Presenters are drawn from k-12, higher education.
STEM Community Resources
Access to STEM resources, partnerships with museums, colleges and universities, community organizations, government agencies and other education organization with STEM expertise.
MINNDEPENDENT STEM Advisory Committee
The STEM Advisory Committee helps guide the strategic direction of the MINNDEPENDENT STEM Program. The committee is comprised of representatives from the community who have expertise and a vested interest in high quality STEM education. The committee members represent K-12 & higher education, business & industry, government, and public & private philanthropic organizations
Jacob Beveridge, Ph.D |
John Henderson Data Scientist/Central Lab, Product Info & Modeling Solventum |
Justin Spencer Director of Education The Bakken Museum |
Jazmine Darden 3-D Printing Instructor Dunwoody College of Technology |
Michael Lamb Senior Vice President, Transmission Xcel Energy |
Jorge Ulate Senior R&D Manager General Mills |
Anne Dougherty Entrepreneurship and Business Teacher Cretin-Derham Hall |
Sarah Krieger Senior Chemist, Operational Innovation RD&E Ecolab |
Thomas P. (Tom) Wallisch Group Lead, 3M Abrasive Systems Division 3M |
Vikram Ghosh Futures Trader |
Debbie Monson, Ph.D Associate Professor, Teacher Education University of Saint Thomas |