Monday marks start of third-annual Massachusetts STEM Week

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Monday marks the first day of Massachusetts STEM Week, organized by the Executive Office of Education and the STEM Advisory Council in Partnership with the state’s 9 Regional STEM Networks.

STEM Week was put in place in a statewide effort to boost the interest, awareness, and ability for learners involved in STEM education and employment opportunities.

The third annual statewide STEM Week theme this year is “See Yourself in STEM”, which will be specifically focusing on the power of mentoring.

The program states “Women, people of color, first-generation students, low-income individuals, English language learners, and people with disabilities are underrepresented in STEM industries and make up an increasing portion of the overall workforce, but the demographics of STEM fields have remained largely the same. We need more young people to see themselves in STEM.”

The theme was developed to encourage those who may be underrepresented in STEM fields to stay persistent, and also connect with a mentor.

The STEM Council has partnered with the Mass Mentoring Partnership to boost the amount of mentors available across the state.

If interested in being a STEM mentor, click here.

Last October, the second-annual STEM Week was a success, with more than 1,000 events which impacted over 100,000 learners.  Schools, non-profit organizations, museums, colleges, and business partners all participated in STEM Week events for preschool children, college kids, and even adults.

©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2020