STEM Career Pathways
WHAT WE DO
PEF inspires students’ interest in STEM education by exposing them to diverse and compelling careers. And we support teachers interested in deepening the connection between the content they teach and their students’ understanding of STEM careers.
350 educators
participate in professional development each year
300 students
exposed to career presentations by volunteer STEM professionals
3 federal grants
to develop curriculum on biodiversity, clean energy, and women in engineering
Ignite STEM
The Philadelphia Education Fund’s Ignite STEM initiative serves students at our partner high schools – including participating Mastery Charter Schools and our CAP schools – specifically low-income students who may be interested in attending college or pursuing a postsecondary STEM career.
During the 9-week program, students engage weekly with project-based learning, professional development, and skill building activities. The Ignite STEM program also includes the exploration of postsecondary and career pathways, from college visits and STEM workforce sites, to financial aid workshops.
This program is only made possible through the generous support of our funding partners, C2L PHL, the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, and PwC.
Explore STEM Philly:
STEM Professionals in the Classroom
We facilitate STEM professionals’ classroom visits to discuss their career paths and relate their work to what students are learning. Our volunteer speakers are trained and aided in the design of their presentations. We also partner with organizations to host field trips so that students can explore and experience actual STEM work environments. These excursions inspire young people to see the rewards of pursuing a future in STEM.
The Philadelphia Afterschool STEM Exploration (PASE) Program
The Philadelphia Afterschool STEM Exploration (PASE) program trains and schedules STEM professionals, who then provide career presentations to middle and high school afterschool sites.
- If you are a STEM professional willing to provide career presentations to students enrolled in afterschool programs, register HERE.
- If you are an afterschool educator looking for a STEM professional to visit your middle or high school afterschool program, register HERE.
Get involved
Contact: Barbara A. Cousar, STEM Workforce Development Manager, McKinney Center For STEM Education, bcousar@philaedfund.org
