The Minnesota Advisory Council on STEM Learning and Workforce Development was established with a clear mission: to grow STEM literacy and close the STEM learning and workforce opportunity gap through cross-sector collaboration that centers equity. The creation of this Council marks a significant step forward in our efforts to ensure that all Minnesotans, regardless of their background or location, have access to high-quality STEM education and career opportunities.

The Council was carefully designed to promote equity-based statewide strategies and to develop shared resources that support STEM workforce development across Minnesota. Its unique structure brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from in-school education (K12 and Higher Education), after-school STEM learning providers, state agencies, industry, and other parties invested in advancing STEM. This cross-sector, cross-system representation ensures that the Council’s initiatives are informed by a wide range of perspectives and expertise, making them more inclusive, comprehensive, and effective.