Big thank you to Vickei Hrdina and her team at Career Connect Southwest (CCSW) in Vancouver, for co-hosting a meeting with Washington STEM that brought together the directors of STEM networks from across the state. Together, we strategized on how regional networks can work together to improve state-wide systems supporting children and students of all ages, from early learning through high school and into postsecondary education. Our goal is to leverage connections and resources with other organizations to create well-lit career pathways for students of color, girls, rural students, and those living in poverty.

We also learned from our Vancouver-based hosts that Southwest Washington is known as “Silicon Forest”. Local manufacturers import raw silica and process it into wafer-like disks for use in everything from the space station, drones and electronics. CCSW also works with educators to guide students' career exploration and connect them to apprenticeships in health care, agriculture and high-tech industries. CCSW also integrates Math Anywhere activities into community events so families get opportunities for hands-on math fun.