PROCESS

//Process: This document is intended to capture a sense of how we see this effort unfolding. It is intended to be fluid and we recognize there are many unknowns as we move forward. Our goal is to embrace the possibilities and be open to any and all options!//

**Step 1: Defining STEM at the National Level:**

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Coalition works to support STEM programs for teachers and students at the U. S. Department of Education, the National Science Foundation, and other agencies that offer STEM related programs. The STEM Education Coalition works aggressively to raise awareness in Congress, the Administration, and other organizations about the critical role that STEM education plays in enabling the U.S. to remain the economic and technological leader of the global marketplace of the 21st century. The Coalition advocates for strengthening of STEM-related programs for educators and students and increased federal investments in STEM education. We also support robust federal investments in basic scientific research to inspire current and future generations of young people to pursue careers in STEM fields. Members of the STEM Coalition believe that our nation must improve the way our students learn science, mathematics, technology and engineering and that the business, education, and STEM communities must work together to achieve this goal.

**Step 2: Creating a Laconia Community Taskforce:**

This group will investigate STEM models in our country that are having success in getting our best and brightest, our underrepresented, and our disadvantaged groups to study in STEM Fields.


 * Step 3: Concurrently Include NH Partners: **

Have representatives of the Laconia Community Taskforce work with our University System, interested NH School Districts, the NH DOE, and other potential partners

Current and Ongoing Action(s): The Laconia School District, with Bob Champlin as the facilitator, is working with the DOE to help develop the vision, concepts, and objectives of our contribution to the NH application for Race To The Top AARA funds in the category of STEM. We plan to bring the Laconia Community Taskforce together in January. We are hopeful of using this template to provide an initial overview to interested participants/partners.