By: Graham Bosch Rural communities in the United States are falling behind in workforce development and student achievement, according to recent research by the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity. A local educational partnership is looking to create positive change by bringing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) resources, experiences and

In October of 2017, the volunteer run Heber-Overgaard Library sought support to develop a mini makerspace with computers, lego products, and a 3D printer. These were augmented by donated hand tools and scrap materials for projects. Then, in February of 2018, they extended their efforts to include astronomy programs that

In order to bring more resources to their students, San Simon Elementary School started an afterschool STEM Club called The Cooler than Absolute Zero Science Club. With a population of around 165, San Simon is a remote district 40 miles east of Wilcox with one K-12 school district shared with

Eastern Arizona Science Initiative (EASI) is an organization that focuses on bringing more STEM resources to everyone, and in 2019 they worked to develop an Archery Summer Science Camp for 6th- 9th grade students in Safford, AZ. What did the program do? The EASI Summer program taught students safety first

In Jan 2017, the Apache Behavioral Health Services with support from the NAIC created an after school program around engineering and robotics. The STEM program included an assortment of activities including robotics, 3D modeling, 3D printing, programming small devices, and microcomputers. The program reaches kids from first grade through eighth

Written by: Graham Bosch Rural communities in the United States are falling behind in workforce development and student achievement, according to recent research by the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity. A local educational partnership is looking to create positive change by bringing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) resources, experiences

The Safford Friends of the Library started a Fun with Math and Science Program at the Safford City Library. This program is a free, six-week program for 3-5 year olds and their parents. The program introduces fundamental concepts of math and science by using play and books. Fun with Math

It has been said countless times, but gardening is a great activity in which youth can learn and participate. Not only does gardening engage all senses, it also encourages healthy eating and has been linked to the improvement of life development skills. The Show Low Garden Club introduced a program

Most people don’t think of environmental stewardship when debating STEM curriculum, but environmental science and conservation is a huge realm within the STEM community. Hoping to merge these two within the community the Verde Valley Rural Innovation Council (VVRIC) convened regional community environmental groups-Friends of the Verde River, Sedona Sustainability

Finding unconventional partners working together is not uncommon in rural southeast Arizona. The Fort Huachuca Sentinel Landscape, established in 2015, worked to bring together a variety of local, state, and Federal partners to tackle the critical land use and resource issues in the region, including water quantity and quality; long-term