2008 STEM Summits
Overview
During January and February, 2008, the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) worked on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to manage eight STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Summits throughout the state. This Executive Summary provides an overview of findings and conclusions, derived mainly from student survey results at the events.
The report that follows includes consolidated survey findings presented graphically, as well as individual findings and results from each of the eight summit locations throughout the state. Also included are program examples and lists of participating businesses and higher education partners for each summit, as well as associated media stories about the events.
Overall, the Summits were successful. Attendance and engagement far exceeded expectations, from both students and businesses/higher education. While we expected around 1000 students, the total number was just under 4000 students, almost four times greater than expected. Participants were students in grades 7 – 12, and each session ranged from around 300 up to 1000. The majority of students were from grades 9 – 11 (63%). The exhibitor goal of ten per session actually ranged from twenty to thirty exhibitors per location/Summit.
Feedback from the various locations was relatively consistent, with no big gaps or surprises. The feedback was largely positive, both from students and educators, as well as from businesses. Many were saying things like, “Now that I know what this STEM
