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

MINNDEPENDENT has convened a STEM Advisory Committee to engage 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.

Greg Chamberlain, Committee Chair
Regional Vice President, External & Community Affairs
Xcel Energy

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Vikram Ghosh
Technical Sales, National Accounts
Ardent Mills

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John Henderson
Product Developer
3M

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Dr. Jennifer Ott Krieger
Assistant Principal
Holy Spirit School, St. Paul

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Mark Lamps
VP Business Development and Strategy
Atkore

Sumita Mitra
Partner
Mitra Chemical Consulting LLC

Ξ

Debbie Monson
Assistant Professor, Teacher Education
University of St. Thomas

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Doug Paulson
Director of Academic Standards and Instructional Effectiveness
Minnesota Department of Education

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Justin Spencer
Youth Development Program Manager
The Bakken Museum

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Jorge Ulate
Senior R&D Manager
General Mills

Thank You to our
STEM Program Sponsors