About Us

History of the Rhode Island STEM Center

The Rhode Island STEM Center was established as a centralized, focused, and coordinated hub for statewide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education efforts.  The creation of the STEM Center followed a statewide initiative that identified the need for improving STEM education.

In 2008 state and federal funding allowed the construction of the main facilities of the STEM Center on the second floor of the Henry Barnard School at Rhode Island College. The establishment of the STEM Center supported the development of partnerships among business/industry, PK-12, higher education, after school programs, community-based organizations, non-profits, and government agencies to support STEM education and improve communications among the groups.

The Rhode Island STEAM Center Today

On April 14, 2016, the Rhode Island Council on Postsecondary Education acting on the recommendation from the Commissioner agreed to  change the name of the Rhode Island STEM Center to the Rhode Island STEAM Center to better reflect the work we do.  The Rhode Island STEAM Center continues to grow as we strengthen current partnerships and build new relationships in both the public and private sectors. Our programs focus on making STEM/STEAM more accessible, “user-friendly,” and relevant to all Rhode Islanders.   We believe that a basic understanding of STEAM helps people explore the world and make informed decisions. STEAM fields also offer creative and engaging careers that are both personally fulfilling and serve a crucial purpose. Although not everyone is going to work within the STEM or STEAM industry, everyone needs the skills and practices that STEAM offers.

Vision

To grow as a center where creative and visionary ideas in science, technology, engineering, arts+design and mathematics (STEAM) education are nurtured and implemented leading to a thriving STEAM-literate population where ALL Rhode Islanders will be able to understand, participate, and contribute fully to 21st century society.

Mission

To provide leadership and advocacy for increasing science, technology, engineering, arts+design and mathematics (STEAM) literacy in Rhode Island through sustaining partnerships with higher education, PK-12, business and industry, after school organizations, non-profit programs, community-based groups, and government agencies that are dedicated to building long-term interest and active engagement in STEAM among ALL Rhode Islanders through the continual sharing and exchange of knowledge, ideas and experiences.

Become a Sponsor

The Rhode Island STEM Center operates with soft funding which means that the STEM Center budget is based on one-time grants from government or private organizations, donations from corporations and other entities, and fees from STEM Center programs and workshops. Many times funds are designated for a specific project or purpose.

We constantly need to reach out to others so we can continue to pursue the vision and mission of the Rhode Island STEM Center. Help us to create a thriving STEAM-literate population where all Rhode Islanders will be able to understand, participate, and contribute fully to 21st century society.

Please consider becoming a sponsor of the Rhode Island STEM Center.

Checks should be made payable to Rhode Island College Foundation indicating the funds are to be directed to the Rhode Island STEM Center.  Please contact risteamcenter@gmail.com if you have questions or need additional information.