Minndependent

The Minndependent stem program, now in its fifteenth year, builds school and teacher capacity and support hands-on stem learning in classrooms. Minndependent's stem program has three mutually reinforcing components:1. Stem grants that support schools by providing funding for materials, curriculum development, and training to create, improve and expand stem offerings for students.2. Professional development that prepares teachers to provide high-quality, evidence-based stem learning experiences for students, and 3. Community partnerships that ensure that member schools have access to high-quality programs and resources available throughout our state.minndependent hosts an annual stem education conference for the private & independent school community. In august 2021, 93 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 income students, students with learning differences, girls, and rural students. The community partnership program facilitated access to support program participation with the following community partners. Science from scientists - 7 schools, we share solar 5 schools. This year, the Minndependent stem grant program awarded grants to 10 schools totaling $36,400. Minndependent has awarded over $1.4 million in stem support to member schools since the program began in 2008.

In september, 2021, fifty one (51) school leaders and administrators attended Minndependent's sixteenth annual school leadership conference. In addition to school leaders, participants included session presenters and event exhibitors. On may 1, 2022, Minndependent hosted the 14th annual private & independent education awards and distributed the following awards: honor teacher (k-8), honor teacher (7-12), leadership (k-8) leadership (9-12) community champion, behind the scenes and program award.

Minndependent membership is 172 schools serving 39,205 students. Out of the total member schools, 89 serve elementary grades (k-8), 21 schools serve high school grades (9-12), and 62 schools serve a combination that include secondary grades (k-12, 6-12, etc.)

The professional development offerings help school leaders and educators identify needs and develop solutions to meet the individual needs of students. During 2021-22, Minndependent hosted 6 professional development webinars, stem education and school leadership conferences. 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 relationships with key contacts at the state level, including legislators and staff of various education committees at the legislature.we foster relationships with funders, businesses, and community organizations on behalf of member schools, resulting in grants, in-kind services, and professional resources.