Staff report

CAMPBELL — The Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem has been selected to join the Global STEM Ecosystems Initiative, a worldwide movement that brings together leaders from education, business, government and community organizations to develop high-quality STEM learning opportunities.

Through strategic partnerships, the Ecosystem will create powerful STEM learning experiences that happen everywhere — in classrooms, afterschool programs, museums, businesses and community spaces.

“We are pleased to have been considered as a member of the TIES STEM ecosystem,” Campbell Board of Education President Beth Donofrio said. “We believe our partnership with them will strengthen our STEM program and workforce development for all of our students. We can all get better when we learn from each other.”

The Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem, with Campbell City School District serving as the backbone organization, is dedicated to expanding STEM learning opportunities across Northeast Ohio.

Through partnerships with K-12 education institutions, higher education partners like Youngstown State University, industry leaders including the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber, and community organizations such as OH WOW! Children’s Center for Science & Technology, the Ecosystem strives to connect and convene STEM members, elevate high-quality STEM learning and create sustainable STEM learning pathways.

The STEM ecosystem is more than school-based, Superintendent Matt Bowen said.

“It is a regional model for education and workforce integration, ensuring that students and residents not only dream of success but are equipped with the tools to achieve it,” he said.

Serving Mahoning Valley and surrounding areas, the Ecosystem has already established the Community Literacy Workforce and Cultural Center (CLWCC) and launched the state-designated Northeast Ohio Impact Academy.

“We are particularly excited to welcome the Mahoning Valley Regional STEM Ecosystem into our Initiative,” said Jenny Frank, director of the STEM Ecosystems Initiative. “Their forward-thinking strategy for workforce development, showcased through the Community Literacy Workforce and Cultural Center, along with their robust industry partnerships and commitment to building smooth transitions from early education to career, embodies the collaborative impact we aim for in our global network.”

Also working with the Campbell City School District are Youngstown State University and Stark State University.