The Chicago STEM Pathways Cooperative

A community-based effort to survey out-of-school time programs and consider the ways in which education institutions, businesses and city services could work together to build and support equitable and accessible pathways into science, technology, engineering and mathematics for Chicago’s young people.

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What We Do

The Chicago STEM Pathways Cooperative is a community-driven initiative that works to address inequities in the STEM learning continuum.

In our 2013 State of STEM in Out-of-School Time in Chicago Report, we identified that Chicago has a wealth of STEM learning opportunities for youth, in classrooms and through out-of-school time experiences. However, challenges to access and equity continue to persist for young people – particularly those from communities traditionally underrepresented in the sciences. In response to the data, the Chicago STEM Pathways Cooperative (STEM Co-op) was formed.

"STEM Pathways" are defined as the progressive collection of STEM experiences a young person has from early childhood to adulthood. The STEM Co-op works to build and support robust STEM Pathways that enable young people to get and stay involved in STEM.

STEM Signing Day

Celebrating and supporting Chicago Public High School students who commit to pursuing STEM degrees in post-secondary education. Sponsored by Boeing and the Motorola Solutions Foundation.

STEAMbassadors

Providing a platform through which young adults may develop their own leadership skills and interests in STEAM while at the same time promoting the growth of school-age youth in Chicago South and West side.

Landscape Surveys

Administering citywide surveys to Community Organizations, Schools, STEM Employers, and Workforce Development Organizations to capture STEM opportunities and needs across the city.

STEM Ecosystem

The Chicago STEM Pathways Cooperative has been a member of the STEM Ecosystems since 2015. Convening Chicago STEM stakeholders for knowledge and resource sharing.

Recent News

February Co-op Meeting

On February 28th, the Chicago STEM Pathways Cooperative (STEM Co-op) convened virtually. Dr. Nichole Pinkard of Northwestern University spoke to attendees about the South Side STEM Learning Landscape Survey, the goals and potential of the

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January Co-op Happy Hour

On January 24th, the Chicago STEM Pathways Cooperative (STEM Co-op) hosted its first-ever Happy Hour. Many thanks to our friends from Shedd Aquarium for being such wonderful hosts! The Happy Hour was a space for Co-op

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