Broadening STEM Participation in Rural and Remote Communities

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) training is growing increasingly important. Nearly two-thirds of all available jobs require the skills gained through math and science education or STEM literacy. However, rural communities trail behind urban and suburban ones in access to formal STEM education and informal STEM opportunities such as museums and science centers. How can we bridge this gap?

Launched in October 2016, the Rural Activation and Innovation Network (RAIN) brings informal STEM learning opportunities to four underserved regions in Arizona. In partnership with the local communities, RAIN developed local STEM resources, supported informal STEM learning at libraries and community centers, created capacity for rural engagement with national and international projects, and helped change the way rural populations view STEM and its impact on their lives.

On April 22, join this interactive discussion with RAIN project director Kalman Mannis to explore strategies and lessons learned from cultivating regional STEM hubs in rural Arizona communities, and how these strategies can be scaled to other communities.