The Montana State University Science Math Resource Center and the Montana Afterschool Alliance will host a half-day participatory summit to discuss how Montana can build a strong science, technology, engineering and mathematics ecosystem.

The STEM Summit, which will bring together representatives from education, business, government, after-school programs and the larger community, will take place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 8 in the Strand Union Building on MSU’s campus. The event is free, but participants must register.

Participants will explore ways to expand STEM experiences outside the classroom; create a collaborative framework for more high-quality STEM learning for Montana youth; and discuss how to strengthen the STEM pipeline for employment in the state.

The summit will feature recent Montana STEM success stories followed by working time for all participants to define steps they can take to advance STEM learning in Montana. Participants will break into groups depending on the topics most relevant to them and then join others in outlining strategies and developing action items.

Participants are also invited to attend the STEM industry panel discussion from 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 7. It will serve as the closing event for the Summer Science Institute, which will take place Aug. 6-7 on MSU’s campus.

“The Science Math Resource Center is thrilled to partner with the Montana Afterschool Alliance on this year's STEM Summit,” said Tricia Seifert, head of the MSU Department of Education in the College of Education, Health and Human Development. “As we prepare Montana’s future workforce and connect with community members, it is imperative that educators in (preschool)-12 schools, as well as those who work in informal learning spaces, join together with industry to expand opportunities for learning and leading in STEM.”

"Afterschool has a unique role to play as we grow tomorrow's skilled workforce,” added Laurie Bishop, director of the Montana Afterschool Alliance. “We're grateful to continue our partnership with MSU's Science Math Resource Center to celebrate and share great strategies across the state and further develop a path forward that gives educators and industry the support they need to do more."

For more information or to register, please visit http://www.montana.edu/smrc/STEM_summit.html.