Join our next meeting

The Partner Action Team is a collaborative cohort of representatives from business, industry, education, and community groups from across South Carolina. The goal of the team is to promote and advocate for STEM education and opportunities across the state, with a focus on workforce development and career connections. The Partner Action Team meetings serve as an opportunity to network and share opportunities that you or your team are working on. The initiatives, events, and opportunities shared during these meetings can then be broadcasted to our greater STEM Ecosystem across the state. 

Meeting Dates:
Partner Action Team meetings are held virtually via Zoom on the 1st Thursday of every month between September – March.

Stay tuned for the next meeting series in 2024-2025.​

Past Meetings

March 7- Women in Engineering in South Carolina

Speaker: Jenny Pettigrew, Electrical Engineer, JACOBS Engineering

Topic: Discussing and celebrating the impact of women in engineering in South Carolina!
February 1- Spotlight STEAM Career in SC: Performance Coach and Set & Light Designer

Speaker: LaHim Ballard, Lighting & Production Specialist Sumter County

Topic: As a lighting and production specialist, Lahim will highlight how theatrical and technical education knowledge and skills can catapult a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) career by providing experiences and opportunities for students and Arts enthusiasts. Lahim had led many types of productions in the Pee Dee region of South Carolina ranging from plays in local Little Theaters, concerts, programing for Broadway, and other professional tours which has led students to pursue a career in STEAM. 

​​Missed this Spotlight Speaker session? Explore these recommended resources.
January 4- Computer Science & CS Elementary

Speaker: Tim Swick, Ed. D. Lead Teacher, Sandlapper Elementary, Computer Science Immersion School

Topic: This session focuses on how to promote computer science in elementary schools. Discover the path one school is developing for an innovative program that seamlessly integrates computer science concepts into the curriculum and inspires young minds to embrace technology through hands-on projects. Learn how to empower the next generation of problem solvers and creative thinkers while fostering a lifelong love for coding and computational thinking. Don't miss the opportunity to shape the future of education and prepare students for the digital world!  

​Missed this Spotlight Speaker session? Explore these recommended resources.
December 7- Empowering Students to Learn and Lead in STEM through FIRST Robotics Programs 

Speaker: Linda Stewart, FIRST South Carolina
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Topic: Explore how FIRST South Carolina transforms students' employment horizons and opportunities through a fun, engaging, and holistic team experience. Come learn about the importance of mentors, event volunteers, and community partners in developing future STEM leaders who desire to bring FIRST core values and collaboration skills into their careers and companies. Hear from student leaders, Jenna and Alexandria as they share their STEM stories and the impact of being a FIRST participant has had on them personally and on their future career aspirations.

​Missed this Spotlight Speaker session? Explore these recommended resources. 
November 2- Partnerships for Success - CTE in SC Connections and Collaborations
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Speaker: Suzi Raiford, Education Associate - Business and Industry Liaison, Office of Career and Technical Education and Student Transition Services, SC Dept. of Education 

Topic: Let's celebrate the impact of the SC Partnerships for Success!
Learn about some outcomes of the CLNA (comprehensive local needs assessment)​ process among SC regions/districts, success strategies, labor market/industry sources, and next steps. 

Missed this Spotlight Speaker session? Explore these recommended resources.
October 5 - Connecting the Dots: Utilizing GIS in Classrooms and Your STEM Ecosystem
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Speaker: Lauren Ballard, S²TEM Centers SC 
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Topic: An exciting and enlightening webinar as we delve into the world of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its transformative potential for your classroom and STEM Ecosystem. We'll journey through the dynamic intersections of education, technology, and community engagement. Attendees will gain a solid understanding of GIS fundamentals and mapping, even if you're a beginner. No coding experience is necessary. Learn how to empower the next generation of thinkers and innovators with engaging GIS projects. Uncover the secrets to efficient database creation, providing the tools to organize and manage educational, spatial, and STEM asset information. Witness its profound impact on fostering collaboration between community members, businesses, non-profits, schools, and government. By the end of the webinar, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to take your STEM ecosystem or classroom to new heights by utilizing Geographic Information Systems. 


Missed this Spotlight Speaker session? Explore these recommended resources.
September 7 - Exploring the STEM Learning Ecosystem
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Speaker: Jeremy Shorr & Xan Black, TIES & STEM Learning Ecosystems 
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Topic: A conversation on the STEM Learning Ecosystem. We will give careful attention to how STEM Learning Ecosystems are impacting the future of education and supporting workforce demands of the innovation economy. In our journey together we will investigate the components of a STEM ecosystem, the benefits of a STEM education, and the challenges of creating a successful STEM ecosystem.


Missed this Spotlight Speaker session? Explore these recommended resources.