May 22, 2020
A Note From Spokane STEM: COVID-19
Our world, lives and jobs sure look different than we ever could have imagined. We at Spokane STEM hope the below tools, resources, grant/scholarship opportunities and good news brighten your day a bit. If you don't see something below that you are looking for, please let us know. We are in this together!

In addition, GSI/Spokane STEM is committed to gathering helpful information for you in one place. Click here if you would like to receive an e-newsletter three times a week with up-to-date information. You can also check out GSI's web page that is updated on a regular basis.

Thank you, and stay healthy.
STEM Scholarships and Running Start Grant
The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber Foundation scholarship is open to current high school seniors and prior graduates of Central Valley, East Valley, West Valley and Freeman high schools who are pursuing a degree or certificate in a trade program. Scholarships vary, up to $4,500, which can be used for tuition, fees and the cost of any tools/equipment needed for their program. Applications due June 1 (extended due to COVID-19) .
All current high school seniors and adult students are eligible. Do you want financial support to pursue a trade, health care or STEM associate degree, certificate or apprenticeship program at one of Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges? The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship application is open until June 4 !
The scholarship provides up to $1,500 each quarter for career and technical college students pursuing one of hundreds of eligible programs that prepare students for the jobs our communities need most such as carpenters, medical technicians, information technology and more. Click here to learn more.

Eastern Washington University’s Running Start students could get a little extra financial help thanks to a new grant from the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), which supports increased student access to education. 
The  Dual Enrollment Scholarship Pilot Program enables Running Start (RS) students who qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program (FRLP) to have all of their EWU course fees covered. This adds to the benefits already in place for these students: EWU tuition, up to 15 credits each quarter, textbook expenses and bus pass.
May is career connected learning month in Washington State! Every day in May, through June 12 th , at 3:30 p.m., students in 6th-12th grades can discover real jobs in Washington that fit with their interests. Each day a different company or organization will talk about their work, and discuss how they reached for their current job.

Hear about what it’s like to work for Washington’s top employers and industries: Imagine your future at leading organizations across Washington including Amazon, radio station KUOW, real estate technology firm Zillow, and many more.

Each session will be hosted live on YouTube where you can ask questions about what it’s like to work in technology, auto repair, journalism, health care, and more. All sessions are saved and viewable on their YouTube channel for anytime access.
Going virtual in 2020! Fostering leadership, innovation,
and an entail spirit for students looking to be future business and community leaders. Summer leadership courses are being moved from a campus setting to an interactive online collaboration session. Sign up today!

WBW is also looking for professional advisors to mentor students. Are you a professional with a passion for leadership and helping young people succeed? Now you can make a difference for the next generation! Learn more here.
Seven2 Creates Virtual Field Trip!
Student & Parent Resources
The Washington State Broadband Office estimates 300+ new drive-in WiFi hotspots are coming soon statewide, as part of an initiative to bring free public broadband internet access to all residents. Currently, 140 drive-in hotspots are operational (the map will be updated regularly), in addition to the existing 301 WA state library hotspots.
Modeling Our World with Mathematics (MOWWM) is a modularly-designed mathematics course developed locally by OSPI with input from educators across Washington, and is designed to follow Geometry. It contains career-connected thematic units where students use high school mathematics to analyze everyday life and work. The content and instructional strategies support increased attainment of the common core high school content standards while developing the standards for mathematical practice. Registration begins 5/20.

Brought to you by the educators at the Spokane County Water Resource Center, these newsletters are packed with easy DIY water science activities to do at home with your K-6 learners!

Presented by ASEE and its partners, eGFI is the best resource available for students and teachers to learn about engineering.

Learning in Places, a project with the goal of creating more culturally and community relevant, field-based learning opportunities for students, has been posting weekly Learning Engagements for K-3 students and their families. These materials were designed to support students and their families to engage in science that matters in the places they live. The materials facilitate families to ask and explore “should we” questions that engage the intersection of natural and social phenomena in our everyday lives. The project is a partnership of University of Washington, Northwestern University, Seattle Public Schools, and Tilth Alliance.
A fun and educational way to keep children occupied at home. The activities are meant to introduce children ages 2-10 to basic STEM concepts. Designed by local GeoEngineers!

Be a part of the world's largest live interactive classroom, with weekly challenges to engage students of all abilities, even those without computers.

KSPS is here for you with teacher-approved, standards-based activities for students preschool aged all the way through high school.
Seniors, it's not too late! Don't let coronavirus derail your plans. Apply now for college, job training, financial aid, and more.

SwiftStudent will help you write a financial aid appeal letter – for free. SwiftStudent offers students:
  • a way to start the appeal conversation with financial aid officers
  • clear information about financial aid requirements
  • customizable template letters to help you share your situation with your school

CoronavirusCollegePrep is an education resource built by students and for students. Included are college prep links, student blogs, and projects.

A free texting service designed to help Washington high school seniors navigate financial aid for college and career education. Students can access Otterbot via text message 24/7 by texting "Hi Otter" to 360-928-7281. Otter sends periodic messages with financial aid information, resources, and deadlines. Students can text Otter with questions about financial aid, college planning, and more.

Hands-on activities using common household items. Challenges include: design a mini catapult, paper airplane, and sorting machine.
Activities released weekly - each activity will include a feature of a women in tech who pioneered innovative technology.

Engaging activities, engineering challenges, virtual Starry Nights, and other STEM experiences to do at home with the whole family. 

Interactive, hands-on activities and videos - available in Spanish too!

In response to the COVID-19 crisis, many subscriptions and fees have been removed to increase access for tools, products, and applications.

Daily “done-for-you” schedules that cater to the whole child (physical, mental, emotional) and are easy to follow.

Kids need play to stay active and engaged with one another, and to support families and teachers.

Fun DIY and STEM-inspired projects to engage and excite the mind.

A national hub for free STEM learning resources including virtual museums, zoos, aquariums; podcasts; games; activities and MORE!
Teacher Resources & Grants
We Need Your Help! Have You Facilitated Events Or Opportunities That Have Taught Students About Careers?
As part of Spokane STEM's responsibility as NEWESD 101's Career Connect Washington Regional Network , data needs to be collected about experiences that introduce students to careers. This could be anything from career fairs, classroom speakers, career panels, worksite tours, job shadows, and more.

If you have helped create the experiences, or know someone who has, please complete this survey . Data helps us better tell the story about career connected learning happening in our region, to pair with what else is happening across the state. Thank you!

For easier sharing purposes, you may use this link: http://bit.ly/careerconnectspokane .
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Upcoming Events
***Due to the recent escalation of COVID-19 in our community, most of these events are postponed or canceled. Please check on the host organization's web page to confirm***


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About Spokane STEM
Spokane STEM is a collaborative effort of early learning, K-12, higher education, business and community organizations to further STEM learning and innovation throughout our region. The work of Spokane STEM is supported by Greater Spokane Inc., in partnership with the NorthEast Washington Education Service District 101.
801 W. Riverside, Suite 100
Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: 509.624.1393