GOT STEM?

Monthly Newsletter - January 2025

• News from the McKinney Center
• Events, Workshops & Webinars
• Opportunities for Students & Families
• Classroom & Out-of-School Time Resources
• Grants, Funding, Fellowships & Scholarships
• Career Opportunities
• Articles and Publications

New Postings:

• K-8 CS Foundational Professional Learning Pathway - the Spring cohort is open to all K–8 educators interested in integrating computer science into their curriculum. It iss 100% Virtual and will run January 16- June 15, 2025. Registration deadline is January 15, 2025
• Engaging Kids in Engineering Webinar - You can make a big difference as volunteers and educators during Engineers Week. Not sure where to start? We can help! Join us to learn how to talk about engineering so kids will listen, how to lead hands-on activities, and other ways you can get involved. January 22, 2025 at 12:00pm.
• PHENND Annual Conference - From Financial Aid to Economic Inclusion: The Intersection of Money and Community Engagement - This annual gathering for practitioners of campus-community partnership will be attended by 100-125 students, campus staff, faculty, and community organization staff active in community service, service-learning, and campus-community partnership work. While primarily targeting individuals who are part of the 25+ colleges and universities involved in the Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND), this event is also open nationally to practitioners of campus-community partnership. February 21, 2025, 8:30am to 4:45pm.

Previous Postings:

• Reaffirming Higher Education’s Public Purpose - The 2025 Annual Meeting is designed to help higher education leaders navigate these complex challenges while continuing to innovate and maintain focus on higher education as a public good. Join colleagues from institutions of every type and size, leading experts and thinkers, policymakers and philanthropists for in-depth conversations focused on issues of pressing concern for you, your institution, your students, and your communities. January 22-24, 2025 Washington, DC.



New Opportunities:

• 9th Annual FAFSA Kickoff with Dr. Watlington – Please join The School District of Philadelphia at our 9th annual FAFSA kickoff featuring Dr. Watlington. This event will be held in-person at The School District of Philadelphia, 440 North Broad Street. This events is open to all Philadelphia students in grades 11 and 12. The focus of the event is to provide live support to students and families completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We hope to see you there for food, fun, prizes, music, and FAFSA! Registration is Required. January 8, 2025 from 3:30 - 7:00pm
• "It Takes a Village" FAFSA Workshop - PhillyGoes2College.org, powered by the Philadelphia Education Fund, along with Campus Philly and Heights Philadelphia are hosting a free virtual FAFSA workshop on . This online info session will focus on navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Experts will guide attendees through the process and answer any questions that may arise. This workshop is designed to help students and caregivers understand the financial aid application better. Tuesday, January 14 from 6:00 - 7:00PM
• So You Want To Go To College? – The University of Pennsylvania’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr “Day of Service” committee, would like to invite 11th and 12th grade students to our free online workshop. We will explore how to successfully complete the College Application, Admission and Financial Aid process. The virtual program will be facilitated by expert staff from Penn Admissions and Penn Financial Aid offices, as well as facilitators from College Thoughts, and the Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable. January 20, 2025 1:00–2:30pm.
• STEAM Saturdays: A is for Animated Fashion Program - CCP's Jr. STEM Academy - In this FREE hands-on course open to students grade 6-12 you will design and create unique fashion pieces and accessories using ADAFRUIT’S CIRCUIT PLAYGROUND EXPRESS and LED lights. learn to CODE interactive light patterns and explore SEWING techniques to create stylish clothing and accessories. No prior experience in coding or sewing is required—just bring your CREATIVITY! This out-of-school time (OST) program runs on Saturdays from January 11, 2025, to March 1, 2025

Previous Opportunities:

• Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia: Free Academic Enrichment for Middle School Students - offers free academic enrichment for middle school students every Saturday from 10am-2pm on the campus of Germantown Friends School. We provide instruction in academic programming in math, literature, and writing through the lens of history. Students receive SEPTA bus passes, breakfast, lunch and occasional field trips!
• Penn Academy for Reproductive Sciences (PARS) - A free research experience in Penn labs. We invite high school students (grades 10-12) who are interested in science and medicine, to apply. PARS will run 4 consecutive Saturdays (March 1, 8, 15, and 22), from 9-1 each day at the University of Pennsylvania. Deadline to apply is January 17, 2025
• Penn Academy for Skin Health (PASH) -  free research experience in Penn labs. We invite high school students (grades 10-12) who are interested in dermatology to apply. PASH will run 4 consecutive Saturdays (March 1, 8, 15, and 22), from 9-1 each day at the University of Pennsylvania. Participants must be able to attend all four sessions of the workshop to apply. Deadline to apply is January 17, 2025
• Philadelphia Regional Brain Bee - Do you ever wonder how your brain works? Do you ever watch Jeopardy! and think ''hmm, I could probably do that"? If so, then the Philadelphia Brain Bee is perfect for you! The Philadelphia Brain Bee at the University of Pennsylvania is an annual competition where high school students test their knowledge of the brain against one another, with the winner advancing to the 2025 National Brain Bee! Registration is FREE and all participants will be given a free T-Shirt and lunch Registration deadline is Saturday, January 25th, 2025
• Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University - is an intensive, five-week summer residential program that emphasizes cooperative learning and hands-on laboratory research for high school juniors pursuing careers in science and mathematics. The goal of the program is to encourage Pennsylvania’s youth to pursue careers in STEM-related fields. Accepted applicants will receive a full scholarship to the program. Costs are underwritten through matching funds provided by PGSS Campaign, Inc., the school’s alumni, Carnegie Mellon University, parents, and corporations. Deadline to apply is January 31, 2025 
• NSF Game Maker Awards - A video game design competition for K-12 students with the theme ‘Life in 2100’. The NSF Game Maker Awards for grades K-12 commemorate NSF's 75th anniversary by engaging students in a video game design competition. Entrants will have the chance to win prizes, gain recognition and explore the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics while developing a video game. Entries are due by January 31, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST. 
• The PennDOT Innovations Challenge - is a statewide competition that challenges teams of students in ninth through 12th grade to use their problem-solving, creative, and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges. For this year’s challenge, students are asked to develop a cost-effective, innovative solution that can help PennDOT more effectively increase awareness of seat belt safety and change behavior to improve roadway safety. Submissions must be received by 11:59 PM January 31, 2025.
• Summer Health Professions Education Program - This a free summer program for students to explore their interests in medicine, dentistry, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, public health, and more. The program takes place at our 11 partner institutions and offers students a chance to develop competencies for becoming successful applicants to health profession programs, plan academic journeys, get clinical exposure, and network. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors in college are eligible to apply. Deadline to Apply is February 5, 2025.
• Slingshot Challenge - National Geographic - We believe that changing the future of conservation begins with small steps: with great ideas that drive impact in YOUR community. We believe that together, our ideas and actions will add up to progress protecting our planet and improving our future. We invite 13–18-year-olds to rise to the challenge, and to submit a 1-minute video describing their idea for solving environmental issues for a chance to receive up to $10,000 in funding. Submissions are due by February 7, 2025.
• PSBR'S SPARC Student Contests 2025 - The PA Society for Biomedical Research (PSBR) is pleased to announce its 2024-2025 student contests. We offer Essay Contests, a Poster Contest, and a Digital Media Contest for students of all ages. Students have the opportunity to win cash prizes and learn about biomedical research and their life. All contests are free to enter. Submission deadline is March 9, 2025.
• Tech & Innovation Internship - Coded by: - Are you a junior or senior in high school or college student interested in design, tech, or entrepreneurship? The Tech and Innovation Internship is a PAID opportunity that helps you learn how to bring an idea to life and create a real business! Applications are NOW OPEN until April 30, 2025, or until capacity is reached.

New Resources:

• ATTN Schools: Apply to host a Community Partnership Coordinator VISTA - PHENND is pleased to announce that schools in Philadelphia can now apply for a Community Partnerships Coordinator PHENND Fellow VISTA position for a start date of August 11, 2025. The PHENND Fellow VISTAs will coordinate and facilitate partnerships between the host school and existing and/or potential outside community partners with the goal of well integrating services into the school’s schedule and meeting major school needs, thereby ensuring that these partnerships are mutually beneficial, sustainable and serving students effectively. We are holding an information webinar on January 15 at 12:00pm; please register  for this session to learn more.  Applications are due February 3.

Previous Resources:

• National Cybersecurity Teaching Academy (NCTA) -NCTA is a graduate certificate that prepares high school teachers to teach cybersecurity. It includes coursework on teaching cybersecurity, foundations of cybersecurity, network security, and advanced topics. Courses take place in the summer and are delivered online. Scholarship application deadline is January 15, 2025.
• School Ambassador Fellowship Program - U.S. Department of Education - This program enables outstanding teachers, administrators, and other school leaders, such as school counselors, psychologists, social workers, and librarians to bring their school and classroom expertise to the Department and to expand their knowledge of the national dialogue about education. The School Ambassador Fellowship is a professional learning community designed to improve educational outcomes for students by leveraging the expertise of school-based practitioners in the creation, evaluation, and dissemination of information around national education initiatives. Deadline to apply is Monday, January 13, 2025 
• Teaching Tools about Sea Turtles and the Ocean - WWF - Use this free toolkit to explore, analyze, and discuss the importance of oceans and sea turtles, and what we can do to protect them. These resources are geared towards students in grades 3-5 and can be used in any learning environment. Disponible en español  
• Challenge Cards - The James Dyson Foundation - a free resource of 40 engineering and science challenges from the engineers at Dyson for children ages seven and above.
• Educators Rising - Pennsylvania State Education Association - is a community-based movement that provides Grow Your Own programming for high school students through the Educators Rising curriculum and embraces teaching as a profession. It offers classroom-ready curriculum, training, and support that help high school students begin their journey to becoming future educators. Teacher leaders who bring an Educators Rising chapter to their school district will create new opportunities for more talented young people to enter the education profession.
• DataWISE - National Center for Science Education - DataWISE is a tool that scaffolds key science practices and media literacy skills to guide students in critical analysis of data-based claims; it is an easy-to-use tool with added attention given to the ways that data can be co-opted or misrepresented.
• Post-Election Resources - PBS LearningMedia - the team has curated a list of resources in an effort to support educators in classrooms post-election. It’s a living document that we hope to update as new resources are published and needs change. Please continue to use Election Central for a wider range of election resources.
• STEM Learning Journeys - In partnership with Verizon™, STEM Next has curated bundles of free lessons and activities from Verizon Innovative Learning HQ to help you implement exciting STEM lessons and activities in your afterschool programs. Each learning journey is packed with activities, lessons, and facilitation guides aimed at making STEM education accessible, engaging, and impactful.
• Endeavor - STEM Career Exploration Activities for Middle School - EVERFI- This free STEM curriculum for middle school is built to empower learners with the knowledge they'll need to discover their career pathways. The STEM lesson plans for middle school provided in this course enable learners to engage with interactive content that reinforces key STEM skills while discovering some of the exciting STEM opportunities that await.

New Listings:

• 2026 Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship - Pennsylvania Sea Grant - Graduate students are encouraged to consider the opportunity which provides a one-year, paid experience for highly qualified early career professionals to work on issues related to coastal, marine and Great Lakes science and policy in offices within the executive or legislative branch of government in Washington, D.C. Deadline to apply is February 19, 2025
• PhET Fellowship for Educators at Title 1 / CEP Schools - PhET Interactive Simulations is pleased to announce a new opportunity for K-12 math and science educators. Five individuals from Title 1 and CEP public schools across the U.S. will be selected to take part in a 15-month professional learning and leadership experience, including a stipend ($6,000) and reimbursements (up to $2,000) for professional activities. Register for informational sessions in January and February. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2025. 
• US-UK Fulbright Global Challenges Teaching Awards - AAC&U - Faculty teaching undergraduate students at accredited higher education institutions in the United States or the United Kingdom are invited to apply for the 2025–26 cycle. The program fosters international collaboration and innovation in higher education, providing transformative cross-cultural learning experiences for students in the United States and the United Kingdom. Information session on January 7, 2025, 12-1pm. Application Deadline: March 10, 2025.

Previous Listings:

• NSF 24-601: Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) - The AISL Program is committed to funding research and practice, with continued focus on investigating a range of informal STEM learning (ISL) experiences and environments that make lifelong learning a reality. This program seeks proposals that center engagement, broadening participation, and belonging, and further the well-being of individuals and communities who have been and continue to be excluded, under-served, or underrepresented in STEM along several dimensions. Full Proposal Deadline(s) (due by 5 p.m. submitting organization's local time): January 08, 2025
• Large Research Grants on Education Program - Spencer Foundation - This grant supports education research projects that will contribute to the improvement of education, broadly conceived, with budgets ranging from $125,000 to $500,000 for projects ranging from one to five years. Deadline to apply is January 14, 2025
• The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education Grantmaking Program -The Foundation focuses on increasing access to high-quality early care and education for young children (birth to five), especially those from low-income families, by investing in developing and retaining a high-quality, thriving early educator workforce. It supports nonprofit organizations and projects focused on advancing our Innovation and Proven Professional Development strategies. Deadline to apply is January 21, 2025
• The American Mathematical Society's Young Scholars Program - The AMS Young Scholars Program, supported by the Epsilon Fund, was established to help fund summer mathematics programs in the United States for mathematically talented youth. The program aims to nurture those that are interested in mathematics by aiding summer programs that provide high school students with opportunities to engage with mathematics in a way that builds curiosity and confidence. Deadline to apply is January 22, 2025.
• AmeriCorps 2025 State and National Grants Competition - this Grants Competition is now open for applications from organizations who wish to host AmeriCorps members beginning in the summer of 2025. Eligible applicants include State Service Commissions, nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, local governments, and Native Nations. Funding from this competition will support tens of thousands of Americans as they complete terms of service in their communities, addressing urgent needs like education, housing and food insecurity, economic opportunity and environmental stewardship. Application deadline is Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 5 p.m. ET
• FOSSI Scholarship - If you are a high school student looking to make the world or your community a better place; plan to attend an HBCU next year and are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math - this scholarship may be for you. Apply for this $40,000 scholarship by the deadline: January 31, 2025
• Solar for Schools Grant Program (S4S) - Pennsylvania Department of community & Economic Development - Funds may be used for the Solar Energy Project; a project at a school facility related to photovoltaic or solar thermal devices that convert, transfer or store solar energy in or into usable forms of thermal or electric energy. The Solar for Schools Grant Program will be accepting applications from November 1 to January 31, 2025.
• Samuel A. Green Scholarship Program - This scholarship honors those students who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to making a substantial impact in the community. Scholars will receive up to $20,000 in multiyear support towards college. High school seniors or rising college freshman may take advantage of this opportunity. Application deadline is March 2, 2025.

New Postings:

• Internships at Longwood Gardens - The program is open to current college students and recent grads that legally able to work in the United States. Each intern specializes in one of our internship areas. All internships are offered for a yearlong experience from early June 2025 to early May 2026. Deadline to apply is January 15, 2025.
• Apply Philly Charter - The easy way to apply to charter schools in Philadelphia. The application for September 2025 is now open! The deadline to apply is January 21, 2025.
• After-School Program Site Director - Urban Affairs Coalition - The Site Director will be responsible for the implementation and general management of YOACAP’s OST program (after-school and summer camp) for students at Tilden Middle School. Responsibilities include program planning, coordinating daily activities, working directly with students, managing the Activities Leaders, and written evaluation of staff on a regular basis.

Previous Postings:

• Middle School Technology Teacher– 6th-8th Grade - 2024/2025 School Year - As we embark on an exciting new chapter with the launch of our Technology program, we are looking for individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of digital literacy and Computer Science education. Whether you are starting your teaching career or are looking to launch a new chapter- your passion for technology, your experience, and your commitment to making a difference will be deeply valued
• Remake Learning Days Across PA Project Manager - From December 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the Project Manager – RLD Across PA Festivals, will serve as an independent contractor, working with the Remake Learning Days Producers to manage festival logistics for RLD Across PA. The Project Manager will oversee deliverables, coordinate regional festival activities, and ensure completion of project milestones.
• Instructor - TGR Learning Lab Philadelphia - We are seeking a dynamic and passionate STEAM based instructor to join our team at TGR Learning Lab in Philadelphia to deliver on-site, remote (in partner schools), and summer satellite STEAM based programming. The instructor is responsible for delivering high quality STEAM based lessons to 5th-12th grade students at the TGR Philadelphia Learning Lab.
• FAME Fellow 2025 Cohort (Student Teacher) - FAME Teachers' Academy in greater Pittsburgh are recruiting 13 fellows for the summer 2025 cohort. This aspiring teacher program offers hands-on teaching experience, mentorship from veteran educators, a stipend, and professional development, preparing young Black educators for leadership roles as teachers, administrators, and policymakers.

New Articles & Publications:

• Scaling and Sustaining Pre-K-12 STEM Education Innovations: Systemic Challenges, Systemic Responses - National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2024
• How STEM Steals the Show in Wicked - STEM Education Works, December 10, 2024

Previous Articles & Publications:

• 5 Surprising Careers Where Coding Skills Make a Difference - UBTECH, November 2024
• Integrating Racial Justice into Your High-School Biology Classroom, By David Upegui, David E. Fastovsky, 2024
• DCNR Spanish-Language Recreation Guide - Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2024
• Advancing freshwater science with sensor data collected by community scientists. Oviedo-Vargas, D., M. Peipoch, S.H. Ensign, D. Bressler, D.B. Arscott, and J.K. Jackson. 2024. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 22(6): e2748.
• K-12 STEM Education For the Future Workforce: A Wish List for the Next Five Year Plan. Federation of American Scientists, Jeff Weld, PH.D, April 2024