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.