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.

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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.

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STEM Community Resources

Access to STEM resources, partnerships with museums, colleges and universities, community organizations, government agencies and other education organization with STEM expertise.

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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
Advanced Prod Dev Specialist, 3M Abrasive Systems Division
3M

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

Thank You to our
STEM Program Sponsors

THE SCHOTT FOUNDATION