What is STEM and Why it Matters!
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It’s an educational and workforce development approach that emphasizes these four disciplines because they are critical for innovation, problem-solving, and economic growth.
- Education: Encourages hands-on learning, critical thinking, and creativity.
- Workforce: Prepares students for careers in high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, engineering, and research.
- Innovation: Drives advancements in technology and solutions for global challenges.
Partnering with the MN STEM Ecosystem, NESC’s priority is to strengthen STEM education and workforce pathways across Minnesota. Through this initiative, we aim to build partnerships among schools, businesses, and community organizations, expand STEM learning opportunities, align education with high-demand careers, and ensure equitable access for all students.
Join over 350 educators in our NESC Region: CLICK HERE to sign up to receiving announcements on resources, events, and opportunities!
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NESC STEM Connect Collaborative Programs
NESC Career & Technical Education
Future Forward CLICK HERE to learn more.
Lyft Career Pathway – Find Your Path to a Fulfilling Career!
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Shaping Tomorrow: Regional Achievements Today
NESC Career and Technical Education (CTE):
Supporting CTE and Career Connected Learning for schools throughout Northeastern Minnesota. #NESCPathways
Connect and Follow on Facebook Connect and Follow on Instagram
🌟 CTE Impact in Action! 🔨🏡
Minnesota Service Cooperatives Career Technical Education YouTube Channel
Grand Rapids School District
Crafting Careers in Woodshop at Grand Rapids High School
Duluth School District
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District Resources & Opportunities
Minnesota Career Fields and Clusters 2026 MNCareerFieldsandClusters_Final_PROD099126
School Counselor Conference Opportunity – Learn More
2026 MSCA Conference – October 25-26, 2026
Raspberry Pi Foundation Afterschool Code Clubs – Register a Code Club for Free – No Obligation!
Explore Raspberry Pi’s projects and training resources:
–Virtual Code Club Trainings with our team
Interested in a screening of “Counted Out”? Watch the Movie Trailer
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TEACHERS Professional Development & Classroom Resources
Teacher Professional Development & Classroom Resources
STARBASE Minnesota, Inc. Destination Mars STEM Kits and Curriculum LEARN MORE – CLICK HERE
CODE SAVVY – Inclusive Computer Science Education For TEACHERS! CLICK HERE for PD Opportunities
Arrowhead Region Tour of Manufacturing October 21 – 23, 2026 This event connects students and educators directly with modern manufacturing. Plan for fall 2026 – CLICK HERE to learn more.
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STUDENTS Events & Resources
Student Events & Resources
Discover Healthcare Deadline to Register September 18th!
Discover Healthcare at Lake Superior College on October 6, 2026, gives students an engaging look at healthcare careers through hands-on activities, interactive booths, and realistic simulators. Designed primarily for 10th-grade students (with older students welcome), the event showcases a wide range of healthcare career pathways and can be fully explored in about 1 to 1.5 hours.Range Engineering Council – Iron Range STEM Showcase for 6th Grade Students – October 12, 2026
Learn more about the event. CLICK HERE
Arrowhead Region Tour of Manufacturing October 21 – 23, 2026 This event connects students and educators directly with modern manufacturing. Plan for fall 2026 – CLICK HERE to learn more.
MADE-Here: Manufacturing and Career Fair
This first-ever Made Here: Manufacturing Expo & Career Fair will take place November 9-10, 2026, at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center.
Day sessions designed specifically for students, November 10th – 9 AM – 2 PM. Registration information coming soon!
Trade and Industry Scholarships Fall 2026 – MDE
- Statewide Events and Announcements
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NEW!! AI Resources for Educators!!
AI Foundations for Educators PD
AI Foundations for Educators is a 6 hour professional development series by the Science Museum of Minnesota, free to informal and formal educators in MN. Each event has 2-3 virtual sessions so please view the events for specific dates.
WAB Learns: AI for Educators – Resources
WAB Definition of Learning: Learning at WAB is a transformative process which is intentional and iterative, challenging and joyful, and serves an authentic purpose.
aiEDU The AI Education Project: Resources
The AI Education Project (aiEDU) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit devoted to making sure that all students are ready to live, work, and thrive in a world where AI is everywhere.
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Newsletter Links
2026 Newsletters
May 2026 – Announcement and Summer Opportunities
August 2026 – Welcome Back – 2026-27 School Year
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Minnesota Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System (SLEDS)
Northeast Service Cooperative Regional Report
2024 Graduates – What path did they choose after Graduation? CLICK HERE to learn more!
Labor Market Trends – Provided by DEED Regional Analysis and Outreach
The Latest in Northeast Minnesota’s Labor Market – January 2026
Education Metrics
Minnesota Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System (SLEDS)
SLEDS and MDE reporting differences – What to learn more? Contact Suzi at NESC sruper@nescmn.net.
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Connect with NESC!
STEM Coordinator – Suzi Ruper
sruper@nescmn.net or 218.410.2845
Join us on LinkedIn
Don’t want to email? Submit your inquiry here.
Staff
NESC STEM Regional Coordinator – Suzi Ruper
- Suzi Ruper, Manager, Strategic Marketing & Business Development
- John Engelking, Senior Regional Manager, Career & Technical Education
Minnesota STEM Ecosystem Mission
The Mission of the Minnesota STEM Ecosystem is to close the STEM learning and workforce opportunity gap for all of Minnesota’s Learners! The STEM Ecosystem brings together Industry, K12 Education, Higher Education, and Out-of-School STEM Learning Programs to align formal and informal STEM education with workforce needs, expand access to high-quality programming, and drive innovation and workforce development through regional and statewide collaboration.
The STEM Ecosystem brings together Industry, K12 Education, Higher Education, and Out-of-School STEM Learning Programs to align formal and informal STEM
education with workforce needs, expand access to high-quality programming, and drive innovation and
workforce development through regional and statewide collaboration.
Additional information can be found on the MN STEM Ecosystem Website: stemmn.org