School and Partner, LEED, Receive Support to Create Regional STEM Network

The School of Education and LEED (Linking Education and Economic Development) have received a planning grant from the California STEM Learning Network (CSLNet) to develop a regional STEM education network, in support of in-school and out of school programs in science, technology, engineering and math.

LEED and UC Davis will establish the The Capital Area STEM Network to work with local school districts, post secondary institutions, employers, museums and other civic partners to align science, technology, engineering and math programs and experiences with key regional industry clusters including, agribusiness, health care and bioscience and clean energy technology, all of which are targeted for development by Next Economy, a region-wide economic development strategy managed by Valley Vision.

School districts, colleges and universities, museums, non-profits and STEM-based employers from throughout the six county Sacramento region will be invited to participate in the nine-month planning process, which will begin this spring.

Dean Harold Levine noted, “One of the university’s core objectives is to leverage our strength in science and engineering to enhance education across the P-20 spectrum, preparing students for both academic and economic success.  Our partnership with LEED will allow us to support STEM education more efficiently, more effectively and to a strategic purpose,” concluded Levine.

In addition to supporting in school and out of school STEM programs, LEED and UC Davis also plan to incorporate an entrepreneurial element, encouraging students to not just consider careers in STEM related fields but to also consider starting their own business enterprises in STEM related industries.