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.
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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
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🌟 CTE Impact in Action! 🔨🏡
Our Northeast Service Cooperative (NESC) CTE Impact Grants are living up to their name—creating meaningful, real-world learning experiences for students across our region!
During the 2025–2026 school year, NESC and the Minnesota Service Cooperatives (MSC) Rural CTE Grant:
✅ Awarded 50 Impact Grants
✅ Supported 26 school districts
✅ Invested $208,221.79 into hands-on learning
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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
Siemens Engineering Design Summer Teacher Training – June 22-26, Shakopee Learn more about this training opportunity: CLICK HERE
University of Minnesota – EmpowerMN CS+AI August 4-6, 2026 | Minneapolis, MN CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
Professional Development: Midwest Teachers of Transportation & Industrial Areas (MITTIA) Conference LEARN MORE – CLICK HERE
August 3-6, 2026 at the Central Lakes College | 501 W College Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401
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
2026 Summer Career Experiences – MN North College all locations!
Test drive a career while still in high school this summer at any of these awesome Career Camps with Minnesota North College!
Share with STUDENTS – MN North Summer Learning
Empow(HER) Summer Events through MN North. LINK to REGISTER
CODE SAVVY Innovate for Good – AI Builder’s Day, Saturday, June 27, 2026 FREE, one-day experience where students ages 8-18 come together to explore coding, AI, and design thinking to build real solutions for real-world problems. No experience needed. Just curiosity and a willingness to create. Learn more about the event – CLICK HERE. By the way….the MN Twins will be in town the whole weekend – make a family event!
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.
- Statewide Events and Announcements
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Newsletter Links
2026 Communication Links
May 2026 – Announcement and Summer Opportunities
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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