Goals outlined by the Idaho STEM Action Center are designed to help the state build a more competitive workforce and economy through science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The goals were presented as part of the center's agenda for the fiscal years of 2022-2025 during the center's January board meeting this past week. The goals would be advanced by creating innovative opportunities for educators, students, communities and industries.

Toward that end, executive director Dee Mooney introduced three updated goals and objective for the STEM Action Center. The goals would be accomplished through strategic partnerships to unite communities and ensure efficiencies, she told board members.

Those goals include increased awareness of STEM+CS education and workforce development as well as increased awareness and interest in STEM+CS programs and pathways, Mooney said.

In addition, the aim is to advance equitable access to high quality STEM+CS opportunities by coordinating and collaborating with state agencies, schools, employers and others. That will able all partners in the effort to identify and support opportunities that fill gaps in existing programs. It also will allow improved institutional knowledge of barriers to increased participation in STEM+CS education and workforce development — as well as potential solutions, Money said.

By aligning STEM+CS education with workforce needs, Mooney told the committee that "on-ramps" for employer involvement as well as employer-led education initiatives would be identified and supported. It also would led to coordination of opportunities for students and educators to partner with employers.

"STEM Action Center provides students with the 21st century skills that all Idaho employers require which are (STEM+CS): critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration; and innovation," she said. "A highly skilled STEM workforce leads to increased investments and business opportunities throughout Idaho."

The STEM Action Center shows efforts that can lead to an increased number of businesses throughout the state resulting in an increasing number of jobs available to Idahoans which can lead to long-term economic prosperity for the state and its citizens, Mooney said.

The STEM Action Center will be presenting their agenda to the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee February 7, 2022.

Abigail Grant is an intern with the University of Idaho McClure Center for Public Policy Research and the UI JAMM News Service.