The Need

STEM education helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills, which are essential for success in the 21st-century workforce.

Historic inequities have limited access to those opportunities for all. In many parts of the greater Los Angeles area, there are still widespread “STEM deserts” where resources for schools and families are limited or nonexistent. 

The LA STEM Collective seeks to bridge these gaps by engaging community-based organizations, corporations, and schools to create a network of pathways to those learning opportunities: a STEM Ecosystem. 

Education & Access

The Collective facilitates and streamlines funding opportunities for the Los Angeles STEM education and outreach sector by serving as a “one-stop-shop” for large-scale initiatives. Working across the region, we also provide a platform for smaller STEM organizations to access funding and networking opportunities traditionally beyond their reach.

Our direct service programs include:

• After-school enrichment programs
• Field trips to science centers, aquariums, and outdoor spaces
• School outreach programs
• Teacher professional development programs
• Community events

These programs take place in a range of settings:

• In a forest
• On the ocean
• By a river
• In a lab
• On an archeological dig
• In a control center
• On a film set
• In a machine shop
• On the deck of a tall ship, battleship, or research vessel
• At a tidepool
• On playgrounds
• In parks
• In classrooms
• In neighborhoods
• Online

Professional Learning

A core element of the mission of LA STEM is a commitment to the quality of STEM learning opportunities for students and families.  We provide professional development led by our member organizations for our member organizations.  We help our peers stay up-to-date on best practices and current research findings.

Career Pathways

The LA STEM Collective works with our corporate and university partners to help connect youth with training, education, and intern opportunities that help create the STEM workforce of tomorrow. We focus those efforts on the under-served and under-represented communities of Los Angeles. 

Ecosystem Convenings

LA STEM regularly brings together leaders from all sectors that are part of the science, technology, engineering, and math fields to build and maintain a robust network of support.

These quarterly gatherings provide a forum for networking and resource exchange, as well as the opportunity to hear from experts about best practices, new developments, and the latest technologies.

Cities Connecting Children to Nature – Los Angeles County

The LA STEM Collective is part of a nationwide initiative dedicated to increasing equitable access to nature and green space. Learn more here. 

LA STEM News and Media

Find the latest LA STEM Collective news, press releases, and resources here.