How do you partner with STEM organizations?

2 Research and network

Once you have defined your needs and goals, you can start looking for potential STEM partners that match them. There are many ways to find and connect with STEM organizations, such as online directories, databases, newsletters, social media, blogs, podcasts, and webinars. You can also ask your colleagues, peers, parents, students, and local community members for recommendations and referrals. Another option is to attend STEM events, conferences, workshops, and fairs in your area or online, and network with the organizers, presenters, and participants. When you contact or meet a STEM organization, be prepared to introduce yourself, your school, your students, and your partnership interests. Be respectful, professional, and enthusiastic, and show that you have done some research on their mission, vision, and activities.

3 Negotiate and plan

After you have identified and contacted a STEM organization that is interested in partnering with you, you need to negotiate and plan the details of the partnership. This involves discussing and agreeing on the goals, roles, responsibilities, expectations, and outcomes of the partnership, as well as the logistics, timeline, budget, and evaluation methods. You should also establish a clear and regular communication system with your partner, such as email, phone, video call, or online platform. You should also involve your students, administrators, and other stakeholders in the planning process, and get their feedback and input on the partnership. Make sure that you document and formalize the partnership agreement in writing, and review it periodically to make sure that it is working well for both parties.

4 Implement and monitor

The next step is to implement and monitor the partnership activities and programs with your partner. Depending on the type and scope of the partnership, this could include inviting your partner to visit your classroom or school, taking your students to visit your partner's site or facility, participating in online or offline events or projects with your partner, or using your partner's resources or materials in your lessons. You should also keep track of the progress and impact of the partnership on your students' learning and engagement, as well as on your own professional development and satisfaction. You can use various tools and methods to collect and analyze data, such as surveys, interviews, observations, portfolios, or tests. You should also communicate regularly with your partner and share your feedback, challenges, successes, and suggestions.

5 Celebrate and sustain

The final step is to celebrate and sustain the partnership with your partner. You should acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and contributions of your partner, your students, and yourself, and celebrate the achievements and outcomes of the partnership. You can also showcase and share the partnership results and stories with your school, district, community, and media, and highlight the benefits and value of partnering with STEM organizations. You should also evaluate the partnership as a whole, and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the partnership. You should also discuss with your partner the possibility and feasibility of continuing or expanding the partnership in the future, and explore new ways to collaborate and grow together.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?