Seed to STEM
The Seed to STEM program expanded on Snow to Sea to develop a career-connected, outdoor learning pathway serving K-8th grade students. Seed to STEM is intentionally designed to benefit all students by specifically providing equitable support that benefits Native students, Latine students, and students with developmental disabilities. These experiences prioritize students’ passions and cultural values, help them discover diverse and sustainable career paths, and gain the skills and confidence to pursue them. With the support of a Career Connect Washington Program Builder grant, Seed to STEM is taking a systemic approach with a broad scope.
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In Spring 2024, the leadership team consisting of Nooksack Valley School District, Vamos Outdoors Project, Nooksack Indian Tribe Education Department, and the Wild Whatcom SEED program, welcomed applications for community partners who provide outdoor learning experiences for K-8th grade students and support services that benefit this effort. Eight community partners were selected: Common Threads Farm, Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum, Wild Whatcom, The AIROW Project, Whatcom Family Farmers, Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Whatcom Conservation District and Recreation Northwest. And the BELONG Partners were selected to provide professional development.
In Fall 2024, in-depth targeted professional development trainings were designed and executed across three thematic areas: culturally responsive practice (Latine), Indigenous values integration, and adaptive programming for students with developmental disabilities. Elementary Science Leads also introduced Seed to STEM at all three elementary schools across Nooksack Valley School District. And Seed to STEM was featured as a case study in the Career Connect NW Fall e-newsletter.
Unfortunately, due to significant reductions in Washington State funding for outdoor learning, especially the Recreation & Conservation Office's No Child Left Inside Grant, the Seed to STEM program implementation has been put on hold until further funding is secured. The opportunity to offer a unique, scaffolded series of outdoor STEM experiences for all K-8th grade students every single year will be transformational for Whatcom County. If you would like to get more involved please see the resources below or contact us!
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Seed to STEM Materials for Community Partners:
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