At the Northwest STEM Hub, we recognize the importance of inquiry, investigation and innovation to power our economy, advance our society, and engage our students. We support educators in providing the hands-on, real-world experiences that will help students develop the skills required to drive and thrive in a strong, information-age economy.

We are part of a network of 13 STEM Hubs around the state that work to build connections and opportunities so learners can connect to STEM experiences early and often. STEM hubs play an important role in Oregon by:

• Identifying needs and assets in communities

• Bringing together families, PK-12 educators, career technical education partners, higher education, community-based organizations and industry to promote in-school and out-of-school STEM experiences.

• Strategizing to fill STEM learning gaps.

• Building shared social and economic prosperity through STEM access, interest and attainment of skills, especially for students furthest from opportunity.

• We believe that every student deserves access to the learning experiences that will inspire them to be innovators and prepare them to help solve the challenges of tomorrow.

The Northwest STEM Hub strives to help students create a strong STEM identity by encouraging them to participate in hands-on, community based learning experiences. 

Regional Libraries: We partner with regional library systems to promote STEM learning at home and in the community. We look to deepen connections with library partners by sharing best practices and creating new approaches to STEM learning.

Tillamook STEM Partnership: We connect with nonprofits in Tillamook County (Bay City Arts Center, Food Roots, Friends of Netarts Bay, Oregon State University Extension, Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, Tillamook 4-H Association, and Tillamook School District) to create regional STEM programs for students and community members.

The Northwest STEM Hub supports various professional development opportunities provided by industry partners, statewide initiatives, and NWRESD program collaborations.

Makerspace Development: Each Makerspace is a place to design, learn, explore and share concepts brought to life using high-tech or no-tech tools. We provide professional development and funding to create, sustain or boost school and community collaborative working spaces.

Place Based Learning: The Place-Based Collaborative offers professional development, materials and community to those teachers looking to expand STEM and indigenous education by celebrating the land under our feet. 

Oregon Math Project: We offer access to statewide and local opportunities for math professional development via the Oregon Math Project initiative. We aim to transform math education by promoting effective and equitable mathematics instructional practices. To learn more visit: The Oregon Math Project

Computer Science: We partner with the Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association (OCSTA) to provide access to Computer Science Professional Development opportunities. 

The Northwest STEM Hub aims to connect students with the future world of work by showing them a clear pathway to high skill, high demand, high wage occupations.

Career Fairs: We support Career Fairs in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties to provide exposure to local careers, institutions and organizations. These events empower the community by elevating the awareness of numerous local career pathways.

Career Connected Learning Field Trips: We provide out-of-school field trip visits to local industry facilities to increase exposure of regional opportunities and career pathways.

Manufacturing Day: We support a yearly event at OMIC R&D that showcases regional industries and pathways in the field of manufacturing.

Internship Programs: Internship programs in Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties provide local students, ages 16 and up, with professional, paid internships with the goals of community building, economic development, promoting local career opportunities and retaining local talent.

Industry Partnerships: We connect with multiple regional industries to create educational programs for students and educators through various avenues, including but not limited to: internship opportunities, educator professional development, community programming and more.