Stronger Together: Connecting Families, Community, and STEM Learning

STEM learning becomes more powerful when families, community partners and local professionals are part of it. This session shows how to take STEM beyond the classroom through family engagement, community partnerships and real-world connections. Drawing on lessons learned from a growing STEM program that has built lasting community support, you will explore practical strategies for planning impactful STEM nights, career exploration events and volunteer opportunities that bring families, professionals and students together. Learn how to create and sustain meaningful partnerships with families, community organizations and industry professionals, recruit volunteers, increase family participation and connect classroom learning to authentic experiences, while strengthening school culture and expanding opportunities for students. You will leave with a step-by-step framework for building your own STEM village regardless of your school's size or resources, plus planning ideas, event structures, partnership outreach strategies, volunteer recruitment methods and examples of successful events you can adapt right away.