Minndependent

We empower schools to fulfill their missions by connecting them to opportunities for funding, support and know-how to expand and improve their stem or other high-priority programs.minndependent's stem program has three components: (1) stem grants that support schools to create, improve and expand stem offerings for students by providing funding for materials, curriculum development, and training; (2) professional development that prepares teachers to provide high-quality and evidence-based stem learning experiences, and (3) community partnerships that ensure member schools have access to high-quality programs and resources.minndependent hosts an annual stem education conference for the private & independent school community. In august 2022, 71 educators attended the stem education conference. The community partnership program was created to advance equity in underserved schools by providing opportunities to schools, teachers, and students who often lack access to high quality stem programming: students of color, low incomes students, students with learning differences, girls, and rural students. The community partnership program facilitated stem programming at schools through partnerships with the following community partners, (science from scientists - 8 schools), and (we share solar- 9 schools). In april 2023, the Minndependent stem grant program awarded 15 schools a total of $48,937 in stem grants. Minndependent has awarded over 1.6 million in stem support to member schools since the program began in 2008.

Our professional development program matches schools with exceptional content providers to inspire learning, fuel innovation and create transformative education experiences that convey best practices and address challenges impacting the sector. During 2022-2023, Minndependent hosted 6 professional development webinars and continued to provide timely guidance specific to covid-19 funding and equitable services. More than 200 school leaders and staff from the state's k-12 private and independent schools participated in the webinars. The school leadership conference was held in september 2022. Seventy-five (75) school leaders and administrators attended Minndependent's seventeenth annual school leadership conference. Minndependent recruited 8 expert instructors to provide content for the conference. On april 30, 2023, Minndependent hosted the 15th annual private & independent education awards and distributed the following awards: 2 - honor teachers (k-12), leadership (k-8) leadership (9-12) community champion, behind the scenes and program award.

Minndependent membership consisted of 165 schools serving 38,370 students. Total membership consisted of 86 schools that serve elementary grades (k-8), 21 schools that serve grades (k-12), 3 schools that serve grades (7-12), 19 schools that serve high school grades (9-12), and 40 schools that serve unique grade ranges (k-12). Since 1976, Minndependent has focused on the strength and vitality of the independent school community in Minnesota, a community that serves nearly 70,000 students. We respect the autonomy of each school while recognizing their shared desire for support. We bring member schools together for connection, collaboration, capacity building, critical resource access, and collective action.minndependent provides a strong and united voice for the private and independent schools in Minnesota and plays a vital role by advocating, defending, and monitoring issues and legislations that impacts private schools. We build strong partnerships with key contacts at the state level, simply and clarify requirements to ensure equitable participation in state and federal programs and provide a watchful eye to ensure the unique missions of member schools are protected.we foster relationships with funders, businesses, and community organizations on behalf of member schools, resulting in grants, in-kind services, and professional resources.

Our professional development program matches schools with exceptional content providers to inspire learning, fuel innovation and create transformative education experiences that convey best practices and address challenges impacting the sector. During 2022-2023, Minndependent hosted 6 professional development webinars and continued to provide timely guidance specific to covid-19 funding and equitable services. More than 200 school leaders and staff from the state's k-12 private and independent schools participated in the webinars. Since 1976, Minndependent has focused on the strength and vitality of the independent school community in Minnesota, a community that serves nearly 70,000 students. We respect the autonomy of each school while recognizing their shared desire for support. We bring member schools together for connection, collaboration, capacity building, critical resource access, and collective action.minndependent provides a strong and united voice for the private and independent schools in Minnesota and plays a vital role by advocating, defending, and monitoring issues and legislations that impacts private schools. We build strong partnerships with key contacts at the state level, simply and clarify requirements to ensure equitable participation in state and federal programs and provide a watchful eye to ensure the unique missions of member schools are protected.we foster relationships with funders, businesses, and community organizations on behalf of member schools, resulting in grants, in-kind services, and professional resources.