What is getSTEM?

www.getSTEM-mn.com or “getSTEM,” is a web portal designed to connect Minnesota educators with science and technology businesses, in order to better prepare students for post-secondary education programs and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  getSTEM is a partnership between the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) along with sponsoring businesses including: Avtex, Thomson Reuters, Microsoft, and 3M.  Teachers may use the website to create postings to ASK  for community assistance in having materials donated to their classroom, guest presentations, volunteers for field trips and much more.  Local businesses use the website to OFFER their K-12 outreach programs that teachers may incorporate into their classroom.  Using getSTEM teachers and businesses just ask, just offer... it just makes sense!

 

Who can use getSTEM?

getSTEM is designed to provide teachers with resources for their classroom.  Teachers may use the website as a resource and to request volunteerism in their classroom.  Business leaders, parents and community members may use the site to offer Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math resources to K-12 education.

 

What does STEM stand for?

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

 

How do I create a profile?

Click the 'Sign In' link at the top and then click 'Register'.

 

Do I have to create a profile?

Profiles are required to create or respond to Just Ask and Just Offer postings. 

 

How do I create an Ask?

From the Ask page click on “Add New Ask”  Your posting must be 500 characters or less.  You will need to have a profile and be signed in to create an 'Ask'.

 

What makes a good Ask?

We find that getSTEM participants are generally willing to volunteer in one hour segments or make small monetary donations for basic materials and supplies to support K-12 classrooms.  Guest presentations, fieldtrip locations/ opportunities, and informational interviews are also great examples. 

 

How do I make an Offer?

From the Offer page click on “Add New Offer”  Your posting must be 500 characters or less.  You will need to have a profile and be signed in to create an 'Offer'.

 

What makes a good Offer?

The feedback from teachers is that having a good speaker come into the classroom to share a little bit about a day in the life makes a great offer.  Additionally, left over or unused materials that can be gifted to K-12 education, internships, education grants, teacher workshops, corporate K-12 outreach programs and activities.