Massachusetts STEM Week 2020 takes place from October 19 – 23 (inclusive of the weekend before and after), and is organized by the Executive Office of Education and the STEM Advisory Council in partnership with the state’s 9 Regional STEM Networks. It is a statewide effort to boost the interest, awareness and ability for all learners to envision themselves in STEM education and employment opportunities, and compliment the formal instruction happening in the Commonwealth beyond STEM week.
The theme for the third annual statewide STEM Week is “See Yourself in STEM,” with a particular focus on the power of mentoring. Women, people of color, first-generation students, low-income individuals, English language learners, and people with disabilities are underrepresented in STEM industries and make up an increasing portion of the overall workforce, but the demographics of STEM fields have remained largely the same. We need more young people to see themselves in STEM.
This theme is aimed at encouraging and supporting underrepresented youth, especially Black and brown students, in STEM fields to pursue STEM careers as well as bolster their persistence through STEM education with a mentor that is engaged, supportive, and shares in the many unique parts of their identity. The STEM Council is excited to partner with the Mass Mentoring Partnership to build capacity and engagement in mentoring across the state during STEM Week and beyond.
Last October, the second-annual statewide STEM Week was a huge success with more than 1,000 events that impacted over 100,000 learners in every corner of the Commonwealth. Schools, non-profit organizations, colleges, museums, and business partners all participated in hosting and organizing STEM Week events for students ranging from preschool to college to adult.