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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 12, 2024 |
Arizona Organizations Join Forces to Host National STEM Summit
The National Rural STEM Summit Returns for Year Two in Tucson, AZ
PHOENIX – Arizona Science Center, SciTech Institute, Rural Activation and Innovation Network (RAIN), and National Science Foundation, reunite to host the second annual National Rural STEM Learning Summit in Southern Arizona this June. From June 4-7, rural educators, administrators, business, industry, and community leaders will meet in Tucson for a week of knowledge and curiosity at The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa.
First launched in August 2023, The National Rural STEM Learning Summit brings together STEM educators from K-12 and higher education, STEM industry leaders, research institutes, science centers, museums, community organizations, businesses and nonprofits. The summit provides a platform for participants to glean insights from STEM education experts, engage in hands-on workshops, and foster resource-sharing, all while expanding their professional networks – all to strengthen and elevate the quality of STEM education in rural communities through practice and dialogue.
“The National Rural STEM Summit establishes an environment for addressing STEM education in a locally relevant manner and tackling existing disparities in outreach to achieve greater equality,” said Guy Labine, The Hazel A. Hare President & CEO of Arizona Science Center. “Through a diverse range of educational tracks - including cutting-edge advancements in science and technology and innovative teaching methodologies – attendees can navigate a path aligned with their specific needs and summit objectives, ensuring a customized and enriching experience.”
“The Summit provides educators, business and community leaders alike a space to join forces and create synergies across geographic and economic boundaries, “ said Dr. Jeremy Babendure, Executive Director of SciTech Institute. “As our summit continues to grow, we aim to solidify our position as the leading hub for rural communities in Arizona and beyond. We seek to foster connections and facilitate the exchange of best practices, with a specific focus on integrating STEM principles with our business, community, and educational partners.”
The National Rural STEM Learning Summit takes place in Tucson at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa from June 5-7 with a pre-conference opportunity on June 4. Registration is now open and closes May 31. For those interested, early registration closes on April 12 and saves participants $30. Walk-in registration is available at a higher fee.
For more information about the Rural STEM Learning Summit visit www.azruralstemsummit.net.
For Media Inquiries:
Contact: Megan Sawyer, megan@evolveprandmarketing.com
Contact: Kristina Celik, celikk@azscience.com
About Arizona Science Center
Located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center features more than 300 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, a five-story giant-screen theater, live demonstrations, traveling exhibitions, and exciting science programs. The Center offers programs for all ages, including Science on Wheels, CAMP INNOVATION, Teen programs, Professional Development, and Adults’ Night Out: Science With A Twist. Whether onsite or at your location–get ready to embark on a hands-on STEM learning journey you’ll never forget. To learn more or to reserve tickets, visit azscience.org or call 602.716.2000.
About Rural Activation and Innovation Network (RAIN)
RAIN is an Innovations in Development project funded by the National Science Foundation (drl#1612555). This program is being spearheaded by Arizona State University, Arizona Science Center, The Arizona Tech Council, and the Lifelong Learning Group of COSI. The efforts will be focused on four rural regions of Arizona: Cochise County (southeastern Arizona), Graham and Greenlee counties (eastern Arizona), the Verde Valley of Yavapai County (central Arizona), and southern Navajo and Apache counties (White Mountains of Arizona). To learn more, visit 4azrain.org.
About SciTech Institute
SciTech Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting STEM education and awareness in Arizona and beyond. It works to achieve this through some of the strongest STEM initiatives in Arizona, including the Arizona SciTech Festival, the Chief Science Officers program, the RAIN grant, STEM Ecosystem Hubs & Working Groups, STEM Little Free Libraries, Science For All and more. To learn more visit scitechinstitute.org.
About The National Science Foundation
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..." NSF is vital because we support basic research and people to create knowledge that transforms the future. To learn more visit new.nsf.gov/about