Oregon’s Regional STEM Hub Network is a statewide ecosystem embracing the notion that education is a collective responsibility and that learning takes place throughout one’s life in all manner of settings and interactions. Hubs take the lead in catalyzing a network of regional collective impact partnerships that convene local leaders, K-20 education, afterschool programs, local industry, workforce boards, and community-based organizations serving youth.
Over 41% of Oregon youth live in rural areas where access to industry and internships is limited. Rural STEM Hubs are tasked with ensuring equitable opportunities for every student to become a part of the ever-changing innovation economy, with career-connected learning as a key strategy. Hubs empower their communities to build inclusive, sustainable, innovation-based experiences, creating opportunities for all students to fully contribute to an increasingly complex global society while addressing high-demand, competitive workforce needs through piloting programs, establishing best practices, and scaling across the state. The Catalyze Challenge award will allow for a broad spectrum of culturally relevant, career-connected paid internship opportunities, affording students the opportunity to explore career pathways across a diverse employment landscape.
Spark Oregon is modeled after Spark on 7th, launched in 2021 by Oregon’s Lane County STEM Hub. You can hear student voices sharing their experience in the pre-apprenticeship and paid internship model on this YouTube video