T H E S TAT E | E D U C AT I O N
Full STEM Ahead
Science, technology, engineering and math alliances prepare students for success.
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hether it’s the development of new medially quite a remarkable experience.” cines or the construction of cities – science, Another one of TRSA’s flagship programs is its technology, engineering and mathematics annual Tulsa Regional Science Fair, which concluded (STEM) shape the future, and the in March with a total of 68 particineed for a STEM-ready workforce pants. Submissions ran the gamut, continues to grow. from experiments that tested corTo help fill this gap, the Central relations between learning styles Oklahoma Regional STEM Alliance and personality traits to the effects (COSTEMA) and the Tulsa Regional of serotonin and vitamin D3 on Although TRSA has STEM Alliance (TRSA) work at the Alzheimer’s in fruit flies. grown into a force of grass roots level to offer programming As the demand for STEM educaits own, the organizafor youth and families, professional tion increases, the TRSA has begun tion originated from a development for educators, and reimplementing a new 3-year strategy, small-scale commusources to their ecosystem partners. which will focus on making its nity project led by the “STEM is a particular tool that programming more accessible and Oklahoma Innovation many more of us need access to strengthening its ecosystems of Institute in 2012. Over because it can create good in the partners. world,” says Levi Patrick, chief executhe years, the project “We are trying to reach [kids] tive officer at TRSA. “I feel like we’ve more than ever, wherever they may received more supgot something very powerful here in be in our community, and give them port, and it became Tulsa that will benefit the state.” access to ambitious learning oppora nonprofit in 2017. Both alliances share similar tunities,” says Patrick. Similarly, COSTEMA missions that center on building As a part of its strategy, the TRSA evolved from the broad, deep and innovative STEM will set up a STEM classroom at the Stem Funders Netpathways for all students to access Tandy Family YMCA, where students work, and it gained high-impact careers. In 2021, the can get hands-on learning, and autonomy in 2016. TRSA provided training to over 1,000 teachers can check out supplies for “We’ve exceeded educators and created over 170,000 their classrooms, such as LEGOs, over 500 community STEM experiences for students, anatomy models and science kits. including virtual programming and members,” says PatTo celebrate this development, free STEM-in-a-bag kits. the TRSA will hold an open house rick. “Our communiThis year, the alliance will lead 53 in June. Interested families and ties around Tulsa … programs, including a drone comeducators can learn more about the value STEM educapetition, a kite festival and an event upcoming event at tulsastem.org/ tion and creating dubbed Space Week. openhouse. opportunities for kids. “Last year, we had 40,000 kids “I hope that every community can I think it’s the secret come through different events benefit from what we’re doing,” says sauce – that a whole during Space Week,” says Patrick. Patrick. “STEM is everyone. STEM is lot of people care.” “Maybe they can meet an astronaut. everywhere. All are welcome.” Maybe they can go to panel. It’s reFAITH HARL
A Bit of History
The Tulsa Regional STEM Alliance recently hosted a regional science fair that included 68 participants. Photo courtesy TRSA
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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | MAY 2022
