Capital STEM Alliance Newsletter – March 2023

People High Fiving each other

RALLY

Regional Updates

Join PEI FieldSTEM Coordinators Lara Tukarski and Molly Griffiths and ESD 113 for an exploratory hike into forest, fire, and urban forestry storylines. Participants will learn about the Solutions Oriented Learning Storyline format, with an unique focus on local anchoring phenomena, culturally responsive practices, assessment, and a solutions-oriented approach to climate science topics with opportunities to elevate student voice. Appropriate for K-12 educators from ESD 113! This is a FREE workshop in three components:

  • March 1, 4 – 6 pm (Zoom)
  • Asynchronous Tasks (approximately 2 hour)
  • March 15, 4 – 6 pm (Zoom)

Participants completing all three components will receive 6 WA State approved STEM clock hours and a $175 participation stipend. Those who attend and meet the implementation requirements will qualify for a $300 implementation stipend. Registration is still open! Learn more and register today!

Timberland Regional Library has several upcoming events for families throughout the five-county region who have suffered a loss and are grieving.  Wild Grief provides free outdoor events for children, teens and families. Information for all events can be found by reaching out to the Wild Grief organization or by calling (360) 358–3213.

  • Family Journey Camp-out – A weekend guided camp-out for grieving families. Families will have fun together, connect with other grieving families, and learn skills and ways to be with each other through the loss. Printable Flyer
  • Teen Backpack – Teens who are grieving the loss of someone are invited to experience a 4-day backpack adventure to experience the wilderness, learn something about their grief, and have fun. No experience necessary! Printable Flyer

The Thurston County Dispute Resolution Center is holding a series of Crash Course workshops on conflict. Each training takes place over 1 half-day from 8 am – 12 pm; March 7, 2023, April 4, 2023, and May 9, 2023.

Navigating the conflicts in our lives with integrity, civility and respect for oneself and others is fundamental to maintaining healthy relationships and building a civil society. This 3-part online training series will provide you with concrete skills and practice that you can use in your day-to-day life to improve communication, enhance relationships, manage conflict, and prevent escalation in any setting. We emphasize both group collaboration and personal empowerment to resolve conflict and we recognize that our values are informed by our histories, experiences, and cultural backgrounds. Learn more and register for the workshops today!

 

Mason County Consortium

The Mason County Public Utility District (PUD) Low-Income Energy Assistance Grant Program is to assist qualified low-income customers with their home energy costs. Customers who apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Grant and meet the eligibility and verification requirements will be issued a $325 credit on their PUD 3 electric bill.

Eligibility is determined by income and energy burden. Energy burden is defined as the share of annual household income used to pay annual home energy bills. Energy burden must be at or above 6%. Total household income from all people living at the service address may not exceed the higher of 200% of Federal Poverty Level or 80% of Mason County’s Area Median Income. Apply today! Please include supporting income and energy source documentation. Find more information here!

Family Education and Support Services (FESS) is holding a diaper drive until March 20th. The United Way of Mason County is partnering with Family Education and Support Services of Mason County (FESS) to fill the diaper and wipe closet. DROP OFF LOCATIONS include: Printable Flyer

  • United Way of Mason County
  • Mason Health
  • Mason Transit-Community Center
  • Youth Connection (Belfair & Shelton drop in centers)

The Youth Connection is holding a Mardi Gras Gala event on March 25 at Alderbrook Resort and Spa, to benefit the 12-unit Transitional Housing Project for at-risk and homeless youth in Mason County. To purchase tickets for this event, please visit the Shelton Youth Connection website or call 360.462.0125 to reserve space. Find additional information on the Printable Flyer. Please complete the online form to register. Learn more about donating an item for auction.

Family Education and Support Services (FESS) is offering a free QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Certification Course. QPR is a 90 minute research-based training providing practical and proven suicide prevention strategies for work, school, at home, and in your community. Through presentation, videos and practice, you will be able to respond confidently to emergency situations. Skills and topics include:

  • Recognizing Risk Factors & Warning Signs of Suicide Understanding the Myths & Facts of Suicide
  • Question – Learn how to (and not to) ask about suicide
  • Persuade – Learn how to influence a person to seek ongoing help
  • Refer – Learn how to refer and navigate a person to resources

Virtual trainings are held Tuesdays from 3:30 – 5:00 pm through December 19, 2023. Find more information here!

 

Lewis County Thrives

The Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties is providing education and information on the Working Family Tax Credit, including services in Spanish and English and via language line for any other languages. Printable Flyer in English | Printable Flyer in Spanish

WSU Extension if offering four Virtual Facilitator Trainings for Guiding Good Choices (GGC) in 2023. Please help us fill the trainings by forwarding this email to staff and contracts in your are who are working with parents and families. The trainings are covered by a grant and therefore free to participants; each training is limited to the first 16 registration participants.

Each training is one-week long and attendees MUST be able to attend all days of training to become certified facilitators for GGC. Training (via Zoom) will introduce participants to GGC, provide professional development for how to facilitate GGC, and learn about the development and benefits of the Social Development Strategy – the basis of the evidence-based prevention program for parents of youth in middle childhood. Participants will explore and discuss options for sites pivoting to in-person delivery.

Although the training and registration fees are covered for your participants, attendees MUST purchase material prior to the training. Please visit the University of Washington’s GGC CoMotion Website for purchasing material. Participants will need to purchase a Membership Subscription (either 1 year or 3 years) AND the GGC Workshop Leader Guide License.

All trainings follow a Monday-Friday schedule:

  • Mondays from 10 am – 12 pm | 2 – 4 pm
  • Tuesdays from 10 am – 12 pm | 2 – 4 pm
  • Wednesdays from 10 am – 12 pm | 2 – 4 pm
  • Thursdays from 10 am – 12 pm | 2 – 4 pm
  • Fridays from 10 am – 1 pm

For more information or questions, please reach out to AnaMaria Diaz-Martinez or Kayla Wells-Yoakum.

 

STEM NETWORK

Washington STEM’s annual Rising Star award nominations are now open through April 14, 2023!

Selection Criteria
The Capital STEM Alliance is looking for young thinkers, scientists, engineers, inventors, entrepreneurs, and leaders who have inspired others with their STEM experiences, in and outside the classroom. The Rising Star Awards highlight girls who will become the next generation of STEM leaders. Their accomplishments are inspirational for the people who nominate them, and we hope that by honoring them we will inspire more girls to reach for the stars and embrace STEM!

Nominees can be considered based on the following criteria. Student is a freshman, sophomore, or junior, from a priority population (students of color, rural, and/or low-income groups), identifies as a young woman, AND any of the following reasons:

  • Participates in STEM activities in or outside of the classroom (robotics, 4-H/ag science club, computer science group, etc.)
  • Develops/creates STEM projects in or outside of the classroom (website development, business ventures, STEM related art, etc.)
  • Uses STEM as a means of service to their community and/or family (tutoring, volunteering with a STEM-based community program, etc.)
  • Has a general passion for learning and exploring topics in STEM (exhibits infectious enthusiasm for STEM activities and/or topics)

Please note that successful candidates for this award do not need to excel academically in STEM. We are looking for young women who embrace STEM regardless of their academic performance.

NOMINATION FORM | NOMINATION DUE DATE: April 14, 2023 | Find more information

Pre-School to Post-Secondary and Beyond (P20W) Landscape Analysis Project continues with a virtual follow-up focus group on March 30, from 10-11:30am. We need input and questions from community-based organizations, Early Learning, K-12 and post-secondary educators, employers, Tribes, and state and local agencies around the following topics:

  • Current organizational issues that utilize data
  • Data needed to inform or improve organizational practice
  • Current data needs and new data sources
  • Knowledge level of state data dashboards (ERDC, O-Net, OSPI etc.) and feedback

Data Gap Landscape Project – The Capital STEM Alliance is engaged in a project to collect organizations’ data gaps around PreK-20 and beyond (P20W). Our first focus group meeting was held on December 6, 2022. Thanks to all those who participated!

In advance of our next focus group meeting on March 30, 2023, we still need your input! Please click on the P20W Data Landscape Focus Group – December 6, 2022 (padlet.com) link and note your ongoing needs, questions, and concerns. Listing your organization type (employer, CBO, educator, etc.) is much appreciated!

The Foundation for Water and Energy Education is hosting its Spring Electricity Production and Renewable Energy Secondary Teacher Training on March 23rd (virtual). The curriculum acts as an introduction for secondary teachers to learn about engineering design, alternative energy, or physical science concepts. The PowerWheel was designed to be a foundational tool for the instruction of energy and physics. Through their experiences, teachers will be able to help their students learn how decisions are made while considering tradeoffs and stakeholders. To do this, they will explore which form of energy best meets the needs for Dakota Brown, a fictitious environmental engineer looking to relocate to a new state.

Secondary teachers who participate in the training will receive:

  • $200 kit with PowerWheel for classroom activity
  • Google Classroom access to: Curriculum with teacher notes via PowerPoint to Video Tutorials
  • WA: 90-minute training with WA OSPI Clock hours offered
  • OR: 90-minute training with Certificated of Completion for 1.5 Professional Development Units (PUDs)

For more information please contact Bob Bauer (509) 661.4939

Register today for the training!

Southwest Washington Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is holding a Pathways in Health Sciences event at Centralia College and needs volunteers to assist on April 27, 2023 from 6:00-8:30pm PST. Please contact  Pat Lange or check out the Printable Flyer.

The Discoveries in Geosciences (DIG) Field School is looking for applicants! The DIG is a professional development and scientific outreach program for K-12 teachers and students operated by University of Washington and Burke Museum.

Each summer the DIG brings 30-35 teachers out to an active research site in northeastern Montana to participate in fieldwork with leading scientists in paleontology and geology. Teachers in the program have the unique opportunity to participate in authentic research, learn new ways to bring Next Generation Science Standards to their classroom, and can earn WA clock hours and/or UW continuing education credits. This year’s DIG will take place July 21-25 at the Hell Creek Recreation Area in Jordan, Montana.

In addition to the field school component of the DIG, we provide K–12 educators and classrooms with free educational resources available throughout the year. These include hands-on learning tools, classroom activities, and lesson plans developed by the Burke Museum Department of Education and DIG team. With these resources, students in K–12 classrooms participate in real UW research as they look for microfossils in sediment samples, examine fossil casts, and connect with scientists from world-class institutions.

We invite teachers of all age groups and backgrounds to apply to the program, and we encourage anyone from communities representing Black, Indigenous, and people of color to apply. Interested teachers can apply here! The application closes on March 10 at 11:59 PST.

Washington Student Achievement Council and the Washington Workforce Board have announced the Washington Award for Vocational Excellence (WAVE) scholarship, which was created by the Legislature in 1984 to help emphasize the importance of career and technical education, and the value of real-world, hands-on learning. WAVE recognizes high-performing career and technical education (CTE) students at both the high school and college level. There are up to 147 potential award winners each year. This year’s application deadline is March 17.

How much does WAVE pay?
WAVE awards are based on the total number of awarded grants, as funding is limited. The minimum award is $4,500 per year for up to two years, or $9,000. The maximum award is $11,700 per year for up to two years, or $23,400. Two years means six quarters or four semesters. The award covers most undergraduate expenses at a Washington public or private college or university, or licensed private career school in this state. The amount of funding WAVE award winners receive may be less than the full award, if their institution charges less in tuition and fees. The student has up to three years to begin using the award.

Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants include students graduating from high school who completed (or are in process of completing) their second course in a single career and technical education program. Also eligible are students attending a community or technical college who completed (or are in the process of completing) at least one year of a professional-technical program. You must be a Washington state resident to qualify.

The WAVE application portal is located at theWashBoard.org. The portal will be open from Feb. 1 through March 17, 2023. Find more information, start an application, and access the printable flyer!

Questions? | Colleen Seto

Legislative Updates The 2023 Legislative session is underway through April 25! Each Friday from 12-12:30pm, the Washington STEM Advocacy Coalition holds a virtual information session on the various bills being proposed, and their progress through committees. If you would like to join the 2023 Washington STEM Advocation Coalition, receive notifications and information about future policy calls, and get updates on Coalition efforts, please visit the Washington STEM website.

For those interested in following specific bills, please visit this online bill tracker, courtesy of Washington STEM.

The WA STEM Advocacy Coalition exists to collect and disseminate information pertaining to statewide education policy. We exist to provide feedback and evidence-based recommendations to the Legislature. Joining our weekly informational sessions to hear updates on our policy and advocacy does not in itself constitute lobbying.

Financial Aid Updates 

Financial Aid: Where in Washington can I use it?
Education beyond high school is more important than ever. Financial aid gives you more options for the future.

Washington State offers many great financial aid programs, including the Washington College Grant and Passport to Careers. An important first step in getting financial aid is to complete a FAFSA or WASFA financial aid application.

Where in Washington can you use state financial aid?
There are 67 participating institutions in Washington, including various types of education and training:

  • All six of Washington’s public four-year colleges & universities, including the University of Washington and Washington State University.
  • Sixteen independent/private non-proft four-year universities, such as Gonzaga University and Pacific Lutheran University.
  • Three independent/private for-profit non-profit universities, including DigiPen Institute of Technology
  • Thirty-three community and technical colleges
  • Northwest Indian College, a tribal school
  • Perry Technical Institute, a private, nonprofit two-year career college
  • Seven private, for-profit two-year career colleges

Check out the entire list. In addition to these institutions, there are apprenticeship opportunities. Eligible providers can offer their apprentices financial aid similar to what college students can receive.

State aid gives you the freedom to pursue a variety of education and training paths.

Start your future today by applying now!

Related Resources

 

CCL Regional Network

Program Builder RFP Round 11 is tentatively scheduled to be released in April 2023. More information will be provided as updates are announced.

Olympic College is hosting two trades information sessions on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at their Shelton campus. The Construction Trades info session will be held at 10:00am and again at 5:30pm, and the Welding Trades info session will be held at 1:00pm. All info sessions will be in person. Find more information!

North Pacific County Career Day and Community Job Fair 2023 in partnership with Alliance for a Better Community, will be held Friday, March 10, 2023 from 9 am-3 pm PST in celebration and support of our youth as we emerge from the Pandemic. This event is FREE and is an opportunity for students, families, and others in our community to learn about career pathways, employers, and resources.

This event has two parts; the beginning of the day (9am-12pm) is focused on School Aged students that need an opportunity to learn about career pathways that they could pursue in their communities. The 2nd half of the day (1-3pm) will be spent in an open to the public Job Fair.

To reserve a table (employers, community-based organizations, military representatives) please complete the registration form. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Flyers for each event are available in English – Job Fair, and in Spanish – Job Fair.

New Life Fellowship | 404 Commercial Street, Raymond, WA 98577

Our goal is to invite representatives of our area Employers, Apprenticeships, Unions, representatives of the US Military Branches, and a variety of program services.   We are limited to 15 tables and 11 round tables, and reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis.

To reserve a table please complete the registration form. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

The Thurston Green Business application is now open through March 15 to apply for a Green Business certification in one or more categories:

  • Buying & Selling Green
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Green Products and Services
  • Transportation & Commute Trip Reduction
  • Waste Reduction & Recycling
  • Water Conservation

Saving water, conserving energy, reducing waste and buying or selling green are all sustainable steps that improve the health of our community and environment. Businesses that take these steps to lower their environmental footprint find that they save money while protecting and preserving resources. In Thurston County, businesses that take one or all of these stewardship steps receive recognition for their efforts when they become a Thurston Green Business. Apply here! – Thurston Green Business

First Mode a global carbon reduction company that developed the world’s first integrated battery and hydrogen fuel cell powerplants for retrofitting the behemoth diesel-powered trucks, has established a proving grounds in Centralia, thanks in part to a $250,000 grant from the state economic development strategic reserve fund.

The Department of Commerce awarded the funds to the Economic Alliance of Lewis County to assist First Mode with design and construction costs for office and workshop space the company plans to renovate and expand at the former coal mine site leased from TransAlta. The First Mode Proving Grounds will help the company accelerate the transition to clean energy for heavy industry, while supporting new uses for the infrastructure at the former mine site. The site is an ideal location, allowing haul trucks to operate in a true mining environment.

First Mode Truck

Cybersecurity Registered Apprenticeship Program for Youth: The Cybersecurity Youth Apprenticeship Initiative (CYAI) seeks to build the capacity of registered apprenticeship programs (RAP) that serve in-school youth ages 16- 21. Through this effort, CYAI seeks to enroll 200 youth apprentices/year or 900 across five years. The goal of this strategy is to develop, improve, and expand the number of in-school youth enrolled in a RAP.

Cybersecurity Youth Apprenticeship Initiative (CYAI) is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) Office of Apprenticeship (OA). CYAI is administered by ICF via a five-year contract that began in 2019. CYAI’s incentive program is designed to increase the number of in-school youth aged 16-21 enrolled in a cybersecurity RAP. Cybersecurity RAPs provide apprentices with on-the-job training while they learn the cybersecurity craft and receive industry-recognized credentials and certifications. CYAI invites existing RAPs and those interested in developing a RAP to apply for funding to design or expand their cybersecurity apprenticeship program. CYAI partner organizations will also receive technical assistance related to outreach, recruitment, orientation, training, curriculum, employment engagement, placement, and retention. For more information or to apply, please click on this link to the flyer. For an inspirational video about this Initiative, check out this KIRO News Story (the video is at the top of the page).

WASIC Scholarship Opportunity: The Washington State Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) Implementation Committee (WASIC) is accepting scholarship applications from students pursuing an education in Forestry or Natural Resources. The scholarship is available to high school seniors, who will be attending, full-time (at least 12 units) during the 2023-2024 school year, a Forestry or Natural Resource program at one of the following schools:

  • University of Washington, Seattle
  • Washington State University, Pullman
  • Green River Community College
  • Grays Harbor College or any SAF accredited Forestry or Natural Resource program

Applications are due by April 1, 2023. The successful applicant will be awarded a one-time scholarship of up to $2,000. To receive payment, the successful applicant will be required to submit Fall 2023 enrollment verification to WASIC. The mission of the Washington State SFI Implementation Committee is to promote and foster an understanding of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and to promote sustainable forestry practices on all forestlands in the state. To access the application, please click on this link to the flyer. For more information, please contact Lisa Perry.

Pacific Education Institute and the Washington Invasive Species Council are offering an online workshop to introduce formal educators in grades 3-8 to the free Washington Pest Watch curriculum and model the use of resources to help support this kind of work in K-12 learning models. Don’t be fooled by the virtual nature of this event – you will be motivated to get your students out and join the hunt for some of Washington’s most notorious invaders!

The workshop will provide a deep dive into a state-wide project that empowers students to identify and report invasive species in their schoolyards and neighborhoods and become “first detectors.” This workshop is being offered on two different days. Please choose only one of the dates and times below: Tuesday, March 07, 4 PM to 7 PM or  Tuesday, March 21, 4 PM to 7 PM. Participants will receive 3 Washington State approved STEM clock hours and a $50 participation stipend. Find more information!

The Washington Youth Challenge Academy is taking applications for its summer class. The WYCA is part of the National Guard ChalleNGe Program and is a state-run Residential and post-Residential program for youth who are 15½ – 18 years of age, who have dropped out of high school, are significantly credit deficient, or have other risk factors. The program is FREE for all youth who reside in Washington State. Find more information and register for the summer camp!

DSHS Summer Internships The Department of Social Health Services is offering meaningful work experiences and an opportunity to launch a career dedicated to providing service to the community. Opportunities abound in:

  • Survey Research
  • Strategic Planning
  • IT Specialist
  • Project Management
  • Program Development
  • Communicaitons
  • Budget and Accounting
  • Policy Development

And much more! Internship dates will be:

  • May 30 – August 11, 2023
  • June 12 – August 25, 2023
  • Flexible start dates will also be an option.

Email: [email protected]. Find more information and apply!

 

Career Connect Washington Program Builder Updates

Capital STEM Alliance Executive Committee will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, from 1-2:30pm, via Zoom. Draft agenda topics include a Spotlight presentation and a Career Connect Washington Program Builder Presentation. Details from upcoming Round 11 of the Career Connect Washington Program Builder RFP will also be shared, and the committee will continue its work around development of an MOU and strategic plan. For more information, please contact Lorie Thompson, Capital STEM Alliance Director.

The Washington State Department of Health is inviting young people from across our state to apply to be a member of a public health Youth Advisory Council. The council will serve for about two years and help staff in the Adolescent and Young Adult Health Unit make programming decisions.

We are looking for applicants ages 13-22 who live in Washington state and have access to the internet, social media, and email.

Our recruitment will center the communities most affected by health care inequities. We especially encourage young people with these lived experiences to apply:

  • Affected by disabilities
  • Experiences with different systems, including juvenile justice, child protective services, or foster care
  • Experience with behavioral and mental health conditions and treatment
  • Experience with chronic disease conditions and treatment
  • Feeling left out at school or experiencing challenges at school
  • From marginalized and/or undeserved communities
  • Experience with houselessness and/or unstable housing
  • Struggles with access to or challenges with health care

Please share with any contacts who are connected with schools, teachers, youth organizations, and young people in the state. Find more information and apply! For questions, contact Adolescent Health Consultant Alexis Bates  – (360) 688-3064.