December 2023 Newsletter

LBCC students exploring math building blocks, Sum Blox, in the MILL

View the Spanish translation of our newsletter here.

Hello and happy holidays-

This month, I’d like to extend an invitation to join our work at the leadership level. We are recruiting partners from business/industry, government, education, non-profit organizations, and community members (students, parents, retirees) who are champions of equity in STEAM & CTE to serve a two-year term on an action team. More information is provided in the application links or you can reach out to me directly to discuss in more detail and answer any questions at whitess@linnbenton.edu. We seek leaders and advisors from a diversity of ages, races, identities, geographies, genders, and experiences to serve. Please consider bringing your unique expertise and perspective to enrich our work as we build this STEAM and CTE ecosystem for Linn and Benton Counties!

We wish you a terrific holiday season. If you’re like me, that includes as

many good books as possible. Speaking of good reads, if you’re looking for some recommendations of great books for all ages featuring girls, women, and gender

minorities in STEAM, we’ve got a terrific collection in our Educators' Lending Library that is generously supported by our partners with the local chapter of the American Association of University Women. Thanks, AAUW! 

Thanks and be well,

Sarah Whiteside, Director

Students exploring the capabilities of a Micro:Bit, an item that is available in the Educator Lending Library

Exciting news is on the horizon as we gear up for our upcoming Pop-Up STEAM Educator Lending Library Showcase events! These showcase events are designed to give end-users hands-on access to test-run our Educator Lending Library items and learn how to implement them with students. From coding kits and robotics to art supplies and more, the showcase events bring the magic of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics directly to your fingertips.

Why Attend a Showcase?

Imagine a space buzzing with creativity, where students and educators can explore, experiment, and get a feel for the resources that can transform their learning experiences. Our showcase events go beyond the ordinary – they're an invitation to dive into the world of STEAM education through direct interaction. It's an opportunity for educators to see how these resources seamlessly integrate into the classroom, making learning engaging and impactful.

Host a Showcase at Your School or Library!

We believe in spreading the joy of hands-on STEAM learning and we're inviting your school or library to be a part of this exciting journey. By hosting a Pop-Up Educator Lending Library Showcase, you can bring the magic and joy of STEAM learning, discovery, and play directly to your communities. Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming events in your area! 

If you're ready to sign up, fill out the MVSCH Event form to host an event. Let's make hands-on STEAM education a reality in your classrooms and libraries!

Explore our Educator Lending Library Catalog here.

Grateful for the Gift of Hope in the New Biennium

With over 80% of sustaining support for the Hub from grant funding, we are grateful to announce a recent award of $60,000 from the Niemeyer Foundation, a supporting organization of the Oregon Community Foundation. 

The Niemeyer Foundation makes grants that further the mission of OCF which is to improve lives for all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy.

The 2023-2024 Niemeyer grant will help the Hub deliver value to youth in our region through the following programs:

• The launch of a pilot special education/youth transition program 
• Expansion of career technical education learning opportunities in our region

through rural outreach

• Development of our career-connected learning internship and teacher

externship program

Sustaining support from grants during the recent 2021-2023 biennium (see chart) helped position us to expand our impact.

We are grateful for new support secured

early in the current 2023-2025 biennium to help continue this momentum. 

Special thanks this holiday season to the

John and Ginger Niemeyer Foundation for the continued support of the advancement

of career-connected programs for the

Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub.