New Tools for Science Policy

Broadening STEM Participation in Rural and Remote Communities

Cultivating regional STEM hubs in rural Arizona communities

In-person attendees are required to wear masks for the entire duration of the program and show proof of vaccination with ID.

About the Seminar

April 22, 2022 9:00am—10:00am

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.

Location Information

ASU Barrett & O’Connor Center
1800 I St NW
8th Floor
Washington, DC 20006

Speaker

Kalman Mannis

Senior Director of Rural Programs and Outreach, Arizona Science Center

A child of rural Florida and current resident of rural Arizona – with sojourns in Nashville, L.A., and Seattle, Kalman has spent decades working with organizations that support rural formal and informal STEM learning, Learning Ecosystem development, early childhood education,…

Seminar Video

Past Series