Our 2025–2028 Strategic Plan is here, and we couldn’t be more excited.

The plan—written by our team and informed by 450 partners across the state—will guide the next 3 ½ years* of work. It leverages momentum built over our fourteen-year history and will help us transform our state’s education system. And it might just change the way you think about STEM learning.

Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of our work serving students. But how do those values show up in fundraising? Our Development Operations Manager talks value-driven development, student aspirations, and how family history informs her work.

Research has shown that most Washington students graduate high school and find jobs within 50 miles of where they grew up. But if their region has limited career-connected learning opportunities, local employers must recruit their workforce from outside the region. Washington STEM is partnering with schools and industry to provide more opportunities for students.

Although Washington has one of the highest concentrations of jobs requiring STEM literacy, less than half of 9th graders (40%) will go on to enroll in an apprenticeship or a 1-, 2- or 4-year credential program after graduation. Key factors that increase postsecondary enrollment include dual credit programs, completing federal and state financial aid applications, and a comprehensive approach to student advising. Washington STEM’s High School to Postsecondary (“H2P”) Collaborative is a group of regional leaders and 40+ high schools across the state who aim to improve postsecondary pathways for students across the state. They do this by using high school course-taking data, postsecondary enrollment data, student and staff surveys, and student listening sessions to improve supports for students to pursue their post-high school dreams, often in high-demand STEM careers.