Science ATL’s STEM Professional School Partnership (SPSP) program cultivates strong, impactful, and sustainable partnerships between diverse STEM professionals and K-12 schools. The ultimate goal of these partnerships is to enhance access to STEM learning resources and careers for students from groups underrepresented in the STEM fields. During the 2023-2024 school year, the program will match 50 STEM professionals to 50 K-12 schools in Metro Atlanta for a year of monthly interactions, with the goal of reaching 10,000 students. Please read below for information about getting involved in SPSP for the 2023-2024 cohort.
SPSP is made possible through corporate sponsorship and individual donations.
Special thanks to presenting sponsor, NCR Foundation!
Program Info
For the 2023-2024 school year, Metro Atlanta STEM professionals will be paired with K-12 educators to initiate 8 in person interactions over the course of the upcoming school year. Together, the partners will become Catalysts – enabling reactions that might not otherwise have taken place – to expand STEM opportunities for students and provide real-world support for classrooms. Each partnership has the opportunity to apply for a minigrant to support partnership activities. Applications are now open, with a high need for STEM professionals seeking to work with K-5 students and educators who teach high school subjects.
2023-2024 Timeline
- August 21 – Applications due
- August 25 – Applicants selected and notified
- August 29 – Virtual Information Session for selected applicants (6pm-7pm)
- September 23- In Person Kickoff and Training Session (9am-3pm, Michelle Obama STEM Elementary Academy. Attendance is mandatory)
- October – Partnership Check-In Call (both partners and program manager)
- November 15 – Mid Semester Virtual Meeting (6pm-7pm)
- December – Mid-year Survey and Minigrant applications due
- February – Partnership Check-In Call (both partners and program manager)
- March 6 – Mid Semester Virtual Meeting (6pm-7pm)
- May 18 – In Person Closing Ceremony (3pm-6pm, TBD)
- May – End-of-year Survey due
Participation Requirements
All STEM professionals and educators are required to:
- Attend required evening events:
- In Person Kickoff and Training Session to complete Needs Assessment, Asset Maps, and set two Partnership Goals (Sep 23, 9:00am-3:00pm).
- SPSP Virtual Meetings (Nov 15 and Mar 6, 6:00-7:00pm)
- In Person End of Year Celebration (May 18, 3:00-6:00pm)
- Commit approximately 4 hours per month from September to May to plan, implement, document, and reflect on monthly classroom or virtual engagements. These hours include regular monthly planning/reflection calls with your partner.
- Communicate effectively and regularly with your partner.
- Submit brief monthly activity reports and mid- and end-of-year surveys.
- Participate in a Partnership Check-In Call (you, your partner, and the SPSP program manager) once per semester.
Applications for the 2023-2024 SPSP cohort are now closed. Please check back next year for our 2024-2025 opportunity!
Program Web Links
The following links provide program participants with access to the necessary tools and documents needed for participation this year.
SPSP Alumni 23-24 Handbook (for SPSP Alumni Program Participants Only)
Support
This program is supported by generous sponsorship from NCR Foundation, Cox Enterprises, Delta Community, and Norfolk Southern. Special thanks to founding partner AAAS IF/THEN Ambassador Paula Garcia Todd.
Questions?
If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to contact AJ Chestnut Raines via email at [email protected].
